Club legend leaves United

Spalding United are planning to mark the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Michael Duggan with a suitable event.

Duggan, who joined the Tulips from St Neots in 2013, made more than 400 appearances for the club but has seen his opportunities limited by the summer signing of Tony Breeden.
Speaking on social media, Duggan said: “My time at Spalding United is over. I’ve stayed through it all – I have given literal blood, sweat and tears for the club, defending it both on and off the field for more than a decade.
“I have been lucky enough to play with some fantastic players and, to all the fans that have supported me so well over the years, thank you. It won’t be forgotten and I hope that I did you proud.”
A club spokesman confirmed that Duggan had left and said: “We would like to wish ‘Duggy’ all the very best from everyone at the club and we’d also like to thank him for his service over many, many years.
“He is a true club legend and we look forward to celebrating his time at the club accordingly.”
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Spalding are facing a glut of cup action.
Saturday’s excellent 2-1 FA Cup win at higher-level Stratford Town has earned them a second qualifying round trip to Southern League Premier Central Division leaders Mickleover on Saturday, September 16.
Before that, they are in FA Trophy action this Saturday with a trek to Sheffield and are then at Grantham Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.
James Clifton scored both goals on Saturday at Southern League Premier Central side Stratford and manager Elliot Sandy said: “I’m delighted to get an FA Cup win, especially against a team from a level above.
“Stratford are a very good side and it was always going to be tough.
“It was a very even game. They had spells where they dominated the ball without really hurting us.
“We weathered the storm and it was about being ruthless in both boxes and James Clifton was outstanding. Apart from the goals, he was all over the pitch and held it up for us.
“Every single one of the players ran through brick walls for us. They were a real credit to the club.
“Overall, we defended like warriors and we obviously got the goals at the top end of the pitch.
“It’s great for the club and a scalp of a higher league team.”
Clifton opened the scoring from a free-kick in the 10th minute but Charlie Williams levelled matters just after half-time for the hosts.
The decider came in the 83rd minute when Sam Warburton crossed for Clifton to head home.
Spalding then endured eight minutes of stoppage time to hang on to their FA Cup place.
Elliot was looking forward to a week off ahead of the Tulips cup trilogy after a hectic spell of action and said: “We’ve been playing Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday and then Saturday-Monday so it’ll be nice for the boys to have a rest before the FA Trophy match at Sheffield.
“They’ll be in for some light training on Tuesday but that’ll be it.”
Tulips v Stratford: Breeden, Draper, Morley, Barker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Walker, Clifton, Warburton, Graham, Carvalho. Subs: Hilliard, Curtis, Taylor, Freeman, Sandy.
Attendance: 337.