Spalding United exit the Emirates FA Cup with their heads held high

Kettering Town 2
Spalding United 0

Spalding United’s fine run in the Emirates FA Cup was finally ended by Kettering Town on Tuesday night – but Gaby Zakuani’s side made their hosts work incredible hard for their 2-0 victory.

In what was a largely even second qualifying round replay, second-half strikes from Claudio Ofosu (69) and Decarrey Sheriff (75) saw the higher-graded Poppies through to a tie at Leamington in the next round.

For the Tulips, who were without a host of key men on the night – including skipper Gregg Smith, star man Marcus Maddison and Saturday’s hero Nathan Stainfield (see page 28) – they emerge with plenty of credit after pushing a side two steps higher than them in the non-league ladder all the way over 180 minutes of FA Cup football.

After a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s first meeting, it was another cagey affair at Latimer Park.

The hosts had all of the ball in the first period, but it was Spalding who created the better chances.

None more so than when Stefan Broccoli delivered for Scott Floyd, but his header from close in was clawed away by Rhys Davies.

The Poppies threatened with half-chances, but Spalding almost went ahead before the break when Broccoli fired just over.

It was a different story after the break as Michael Duggan was forced to a super save to deny Connor Barrett, when he was beaten James Hugo was on hand to clear Sheriff’s effort off the line. Duggan then got up and turned the rebound onto the bar in superb style.

However, the goal – which was coming – eventually came when Ofosu unleashed a long range screamer that left even Duggan with no chance.

With Spalding now stretched, the hosts were able to make the tie safe when that man Ofosu got in down the flank and pulled the ball back for Sheriff to wrap a very competitive tie up 15 minutes from time.

Spalding now turn their attention back to the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division, as they welcome Cambridge City to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm).

The Tulips, who have won all three of their home games in the league so far this season, will be hot favourites to keep that run going against a City side that have accumulated just seven points from as many games.

That leaves them down in 14th place in the standings, some seven points and five places behind Zakuani’s charges.

Tulips: Duggan, Yala, Hugo (Robinson), Clarke, Ward, Mucklin, Baker, Bucciero (Macleod), Assombalonga, Broccoli, Floyd (Mezine). Not used: Goff.

Attendance: 582.