Spalding Utd contrive to be masters of their own downfall.

In todays FA Trophy 3rd qualifying round, the Tulips entertained high flying Alvechurch from the same division.

On what seems to be the norm at home game, there was a blustery wind making for difficult playing conditions the Tulips started brightly with Tomlinson heading wide after 5 minutes.

Reverting back to a back 5 the Tulips defence seemed far more resilient and from another attack from the left the ball is parried away by the Alvechurch keeper but falls safe.

Rare Alvechurch chances came and went but another delivery from the left by the Tulips falls to Clifton on the edge of the box but he blazes well over the bar.

The visitors rarely tested Breeden in the Tulips goal and he easily saved from a fee kick on the half hour.

Another chance falls to Hilliard from just outside the area in the 44th minute but shooting boots were definitely not being worn today as another shot is goes miles over the bar.

Alvechurch came out stronger in the second half and were rewarded with the lead after 50 mins when Cartwright's attempt to control and clear was poor and the ball was smacked home by Sullivan to make it 1-0.

A few moments later, the former Spalding player Sweeney was dismissed for a second yellow card after a robust challenge on Staino which easily could have been a straight Red.

Cartwright was replaced by Joseph Nyhawema as the Tulips pushed to take advantage of the extra player.  After 60 mins a cross/shot from Joseph to the near post appeared to be pushed into his own net for the equaliser.

Alvechurch despite them playing with 10 men for most of the second half continued to probe and in the 84th minute Walker was easily beaten down their left side and the resulting cross was badly missed by Warburton at far post and hammered home by the away teams number 6 to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Again in the 90th minute Hilliard was well placed on the edge of the area but the ball sailed well over the bar. 

As the game moved into injury time the Tulips were awarded a penalty after a fairly innocuous challenge on Bart. Surprisingly Clifton didnt take the penalty and up stepped Bart to see his tame shot saved by the keeper.

Final score Tulips 1-2 Alvechurch

So the Tulips foray in the FA Trophy, falls at the first hurdle with defensive errors costing them badly again in a game which should have been won given playing against 10 men for 40 minutes.

Congratulations to our visitors and good luck to them in the next round .

The Tulips next game is a massive one away against bottom of the table Hitchin next Saturday. Although performances are improving silly defensive mistakes are costing the team dearly and must be cut out if we are to start moving up the table.