Tulips step up season’s preparations

Spalding United have continued their preparation for the Northern League Midlands Division with three friendlies in six days.
First of all Spalding beat United Counties League Division One side Blackstones 2-1.
Jordan Graham gave the Tulips a 26th minute lead before Wilson Carvalho hit the post with a penalty he himself earned.
Blackstones got back level in the second half from the spot after Nathan Stainfield was adjudged to have fouled an opposition player.
James Clifton though netted an 85th minute winner.
Spalding’s first defeat of pre-season came on Saturday against higher level Stratford Town.
The Southern League Premier Division side won 2-1 despite a 30-yard Sam Warburton strike having given the Tulips a first half lead.
Spalding though returned to winning ways against another side from a higher level, Northern Premier League outfit Basford United.
Dan Sweeney’s goal was enough to earn the Tulips a 1-0 win.
Spalding United open their season on Saturday, August 12 when they travel to Walsall Wood.
Ahead of that Spalding are due to play Kettering on Saturday.