Top-notch Tulips have eye on peak

Spalding United can regain top spot in the Midland Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League on Saturday by extending their winning run to four games.

However, they will need to be at their best for the trip to leaders Harborough Town.
That was certainly the case last Saturday when the Tulips romped to a 5-0 victory against promotion-chasing rivals Sporting Khalsa at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.
Four goals in 15 minutes either side of the interval proved decisive as Elliott Sandy’s team continued their winning run.
“It was a fantastic performance all round,” he said. “We were really strong and committed and clinical in front of goal. We looked dangerous all day.
“It gave everyone a real boost and that’s three wins on the spin now. We’re building confidence.
“We know we’re a good side and have a good squad.
“We’ve got ourselves in a good position and go to Harborough now, who are top of the league.
“They’re where we want to be and that’s what we’ve got to aim for. You’ve got to earn that right. We didn’t before but today, to a man, everyone was fantastic, but we’ve got to go again.
“It’s a relentless league, it’s a strong league, where anybody can beat anybody.
“We’ll enjoy this win but then we’ll be working hard in the week for a real big test on Saturday.”
Spalding had an early shock against Khalsa when Toumani Sidibe went down under Sam Cartwright’s challenge and the referee pointed to the spot.
James McGrady stepped up but goalkeeper Tony Breeden was equal to the task and saved his kick.
“Khalsa are a good side and we knew what their strengths are, with a bit of pace in behind,” said Sandy after seeing his defence caught out.
“I didn’t think it was penalty but there you go, it was, but Breeds made a good save and that was the catalyst for our performance.”
Peterborough United loan star Tyler Winters made no mistake to open the scoring from close range after 36 minutes and Stacey Freeman headed in from a corner to double the advantage soon after.
The Tulips took less than ten seconds of the second half to make it 3-0 when Riley O’Sullivan fired home and it was 4-0 when Lewis Hilliard lifted a free-kick to the back post for Nathan Stainfield to head in after 51 minutes.
Spalding had the ball in the net again, when O’Sullivan’s shot into the far corner was touched in by Winters but it was ruled out for offside.
Zayn Hakeem sealed matters in the final minute, storming forward before cutting inside to drive a shot into the Khalsa goal.
Tulips: Breeden, Westwood, Warburton, Walker, Cartwright (Stainfield), Freeman, Hilliard, Curtis (Barker), O’Sullivan (Hakeem), Winters, Draper. Subs not used: Ngwa, Graham.
Attendance: 350.