Defender Walker shines at both ends as Spalding United move to five unbeaten

Man-of-the-match full-back Paul Walker bagged a goal to earn Spalding United a valuable Evo-Stik League Division One South point at Rugby Town.

The 1-1 draw at a windswept and rain-drenched Butlin Road ensured that the Tulips remain unbeaten in five leagues games since the start of Marcus Ebdon’s rein as manager.

Such were the conditions, with the elements continuing throughout and the pitch becoming heavier, both teams deserve credit for combining to give the 147 spectators a thrilling game to watch.

The home team played well above their fourth-from-bottom league position and made the Tulips battle every inch of the way in an energy-sapping encounter.

Play was continually from end to end with both goals experiencing pressure. Rugby were first to be tested with Josh Moreman ending a trademark dash down the left side with a low cross-shot which man-of-the-match Walker just failed to connect with at the far post.

At the other end a free kick by Kevin Thornton from just outside the area flashed inches with of keeper Michael Duggan’s left-side post. Shortly afterwards another Moreman effort was cleared from the home goalline.

The Tulips enjoyed considerable possession and were near to taking the lead. Sam Murphy saw a good effort deflected for a corner and goalkeeper Sam Andrew – Rugby’s ninth keeper of the season – signed a few days earlier from Goole, saved bravely at the foot of a post with Jake Newman ready to pounce.

The stalemate was ended on the stroke of half-time with the hardworking and impressive Walker on hand at the far post to knock in Adam Jackson’s cross from the left.

Despite no let-up in the dismal weather conditions in the second half, the level of commitment from players did not deteriorate, with play continuing to switch rapidly from end to end.

Rugby finally got the goal that their effort deserved on the hour with the tricky and speedy Callum Powell’s shot, buffeted by the strong wind, spooning out of Duggan’s hands into the roof of the net.

The game opened up following this with Rugby’s Mason Rowley doing well to cut out a dangerous Walker cross and, shortly afterwards, roles were reversed with the Tulips’ star man Walker blocking a Rowely header on the line.

Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Spafford, Stainfield, Murphy, Banister, Lawlor, Newman, Moreman, Griffiths (Waumsley 75mins). Subs not used: Humble, Sanders.