Sandy strike seals Shepshed win for ten-man Spalding United as they climb up to fourth

Spalding United kept their unbeaten start to the new Pitching In NPL Midlands Division going with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shepshed Dynamo on Tuesday night.

Striker Elliot Sandy struck the only goal of the game on 36 minutes to settle the clash at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

It was a performance full of courage from Brett Whaley’s Tulips, who were reduced to ten men just six minutes before Sandy struck as Stefan Broccoli was sent off for a late tackle.

The win makes it seven points from their first three games this season, putting Spalding up to fourth in the early standings.

Bidding to bounce back from Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup defeat against Stamford, Spalding started well and Josh Moreman forced a save from Dynamo keeper Brandon Ganley.

Sam Cartwright also went close, but was unable to convert James Clifton’s inviting corner.

Then came the big moments in the clash, with Broccoli’s lunge earning him an early shower.

Undeterred, the Tulips took the lead soon after when Moreman teed up Sandy to absolutely lash home what turned out to be the winner.

Brad Rolt went within a whisker of doubling the home advantage just before the break, but fired wide when well placed in the penalty box.

Rolt had another whiff of goal early in the second period after Nathan Stainfield headed a corner his way, but Ganley was down well to deny him.

At the other end, Michael Duggan was forced to make a super save when Matt Melbourne broke clear.

The Tulips’ number one made a commanding catch soon after when Melbourne rose highest in the box following a corner.

The closing stages, including five minutes of added time, saw the away side apply some pressure but Spalding held firm for their second home win of the season so far.

Whaley’s side now face a quick double header as they visit Coleshill Town on Saturday (3pm), then host Yaxley on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

Tulips: Duggan, Hart (O’Brien 55), Marshall, Clifton, Stainfield, Cartwright, Draper, Broccoli, Sandy, Moreman (Hilliard 62), Rolt (Edge 70). Not used: Harris.

Attendance: 175.