Spalding Prevail in FA Cup Replay at Matlock

It took a 96th minute penalty in extra time for the Tulips to finally overcome the Gladiators at the Proctor Cars Stadium on Tuesday night and progress to the next round. Spalding had to withstand a determined effort from the hosts in the first half and a string of excellent saves from Goalkeeper Breeden kept the scores level at half-time.

The Tulips started to assert their dominance in a hard fought contest in the second half. Both teams created chances and Spalding should, arguably, have taken the win in normal time when Jordan Graham was presented with an excellent opportunity.

Spalding's substitutes certainly helped to shift momentum in our favour and have the impact Manager Jimmy Dean hoped they would have when he brought them on. Winters scored the rebound from his own penalty in the 96th minute to score the winner, after he had been tripped when through by the Matlock keeper.

Alfreton Town awaits the Tulips at the Sir Halley on the 14th of September. This was a determined, dogged display from Spalding who are slowly starting to gain some confidence and the players are buying into the new era under Dean. Captain for the night, Nathan Stainfield, didn't lose an aerial dual all night and was excellent in his example and leadership. He was the standout in a number of good displays by the team and the green shoots of recovery can now hopefully be transferred to the league this Saturday when the Tulips face AFC Sudbury at the Sir Halley.