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Two Supporters' Point of View.....

  • Moley
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • 3 min read

Saturday 14th September

Emirates FA Cup : Second Round Qualifying

Spalding United 0 - 0 Alfreton Town


This, then, is where we aspire to be: playing a team comfortably ensconced in a league two levels above where we were last season. A good guide to the progress of “Project Dean.”


It began with a nervous first ten minutes, with Alfreton looking bigger, fitter and faster than our lads. So it would remain for most of the match, except that Spalding gradually worked their way into the game and our three centre halves dealt powerfully with the opposition’s long ball tactics. Resolute defence by all at the back, secure goalkeeping and a heroic block by Walker got us through to half time. With the wings closed off, our forwards had to deal with balls from behind, which asked too much of them, especially as Alfreton backs were big, physical and, according to a young lady beside me, better looking. My untidy notes taken at the time stress that some very good football was being  played, and this continued into the second half.


Spalding came out strongly after the break, and the game became more even. Our defence continued to be as determined as  before, with the bandaged head of Stainfield (man of the match) consistently winning the ball against strong opposition. Belief grew as the Alfreton goalkeeper was drawn into the action much more than in the first half and Spalding found space in the centre channels. Spalding had a strong bench, and good use was made of it, after Joe Nyahwema was withdrawn  (he had taken a severe knock earlier in the game) and as some of our players began to tire.


The fear amongst our supporters was that the pattern of strong defending would break down in the final quarter, as it had done before.  Not so this time, however, all players must take credit for injecting some steel into our play, ending the game on a high note with several strong attacking moves and some good chances being created


This was not a game that we expected to win, but holding up so well against a better team and finishing so  strongly shows that real progress is being made. We can attend the (more important) match against fellow strugglers Biggleswade next Saturday with real hope.

…..Moley.


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Our fellow supporter, Rob Russell, checked out Alfreton Town recently in a league encounter against Darlington. His assessment wasn't far wrong, every opportunity it's launched into the box. Even the number 4, who as it happened never took one throw in from the right place, was able to get terrific distance. However, recalling Staino to the starting 11 paid off for Jimmy Dean. The fans favourite was magnificent throughout, bandaged up following a cut to his eye, our number 5 won everything thrown at him. Tony Breeden didn't really have a shot to save from our opponents who were one league higher. The home crowd who were in good voice, confidence grew as attacking the Kings Road end second half saw the Tulips look for a winner. Nicholson went close with a free kick late on but our goal drought was to continue, a replay it is on Tuesday our last visit to Derbyshire ended in victory hopefully we can repeat that again.

…..Paul Parkin.


Photos : Chris Lowndes



 
 
 

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