Zakuani proud of his Spalding United side despite FA Trophy defeat on penalties

Spalding United 1 Tamworth 1
(Tamworth win 4-2 on pens)

It was penalty heartache for Spalding United on Saturday as they were knocked out of the FA Trophy by higher-graded Tamworth.

The Tulips were beaten 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field against a side that is currently one level higher in the non-league ladder.

After a goalless first half, Tamworth took the lead midway through the second period when Ryan Beswick’s corner was headed home by Shaq McDonald.

That’s how it stayed up until the closing stages, when Stefan Broccoli levelled from the penalty spot with just five minutes remaining.

However, Dan Bucciero and Broccoli saw their spot-kicks saved in the shoot-out, with Beswick, McDonald, Jack Thomas and Aaron Forde all netting to send the visitors through.

Despite the defeat, Spalding supremo Gaby Zakuani heaped praise on his players as they produced a performance he declared himself “proud” of.

“Proud of my players,” said the former DR Congo international. “I asked for a response and got it against a strong Tamworth side playing the level above.

“All I ask for is 100 per cent and the lads definitely did that.

“Another fantastic turnout, thank you for the support.”

Looking to bounce back from the heavy defeat against Belper last week, Zakuani handed a recall to the returning James Hugo and first starts to Harry Olivant and Ruddock Yala.

They started well and fashioned the first chance when Jordan Macleod dragged an effort wide following good play from Broccoli.

The tables turned a little as the half progressed and McDonald blazed a great chance to put Tamworth ahead over the bar from a Tyrell Waite cross just before the break.

After the interval Spalding built up a head of steam and looked dangerous, with Scott Floyd and Olivant both putting in dangerous crosses.

However, Tamworth then grabbed the lead when McDonald – formerly of Peterborough United – powered home a back-post header on 62 minutes.

It was nearly 2-0 moments later when Tulips’ keeper Michael Duggan miscued a kick following a back pass, but luckily for him the ball rolled past his post.

Spalding, to their credit, pushed hard for a leveller – and it duly came when Broccoli was fouled in the box by Isaac Currie.

The midfielder picked himself up and dispatched the spot-kick, forcing a shoot-out in the process.

Luca Bucci and Liam Adams netted for the Tulips, but the Broccoli and Bucciero misses proved key.

Tulips: Duggan, G Yala (Stainfield 89), Hugo, Bucciero, R Yala (Bucci 76), Price, Floyd (Adams 80), Broccoli, Baker, Macleod, Olivant. Not used: England, Cartwright.

Attendance: 320.