PREVIEW: Spalding United (A)

By Will Phillips

When: Tuesday 4th November (19:45 KO)

Where: Sir Halley Stewart Field, Winfrey Avenue, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1DA

What3words: ///Keen.Career.Strut

After a thriller last time out, Quorn look to continue this exceptional run of form, away to league leaders Spalding United.

Quorn’s Form:

Quorn entertained fans and neutrals alike last time out against Bishop’s Stortford to carry on an impressive run in the league, not losing in five games. The game finished 3-4 to the Methodists, with a winner being scored by Kai Fifield in the closing stages. Fifield came on as a substitute and also scored the Reds second goal as well as providing the cross that lead to the own goal. Deen master had opened the scoring for Quorn as the Reds came from behind three times, not leading in the match at any stage until the 90th minute.

Prior to this game, Quorn drew 2-2 at home to Halesowen Town to end a streak of three straight wins for Beswick’s men. The three-game winning streak saw a 2-1 win at home to Bromsgrove Sporting, a 4-3 victory at Alvechurch and a 2-0 triumph at home to Bury Town.  This good form has left Quorn sitting in third in the table, a most impressive start to life in the division after being promoted last season.

The Opposition:

Spalding United have earnt their right to be first in the division, winning nine out of their thirteen games this season, including a current streak of five consecutive victories. These wins include an impressive 4-0 win over Royston Town, as well as comprehensive thrashings of Bishop’s Stortford away 4-1 and a 5-1 win at home verses AFC Sudbury. These complete performances have made Spalding top scorers in the league on top of being league leaders.

The last time Spalding lost a game in the league was against Banbury United, on the 20th of September, this was also the date of Quorn’s last league defeat. Spalding lost that match 4-1, ending another impressive undefeated run, with the Tulips only other loss in their season opener verses Real Bedford before this.

Spalding are settling into step three football after being promoted as champions from the Northern Premier League Midlands division the season before last, Quorn being promoted as Champions from the same league last season.

Head-to-head:

The last game between the two clubs was a friendly in the summer of 2024, where Quorn beat the Tulips 2-0 at home, Cain Noble and Zak Goodson providing the goals for the home side.

The last competitive fixtures were a different story however, in April of 2024, Spalding came to Quorn and left with three points. The Tulips scored two goals late to snatch victory in a match that the Reds had dominated. This also completed the double over Quorn after previously beating the Methodists at home, scoring two late goals again to finish the game 3-1.  

One to watch:

It is hard to pick out a main threat amongst all of the talent Spalding United has playing for them, but Jack Roberts is going to be the name on the mind of Quorn defenders going into this game.

The promising young striker came through the ranks at Glasgow Rangers’ academy, moving around lower leagues of England before signing for the Tulips from Bishop’s Stortford.

Ticket Prices:

·       Adult £14.00,

·       Concessions £9.00 (Students, over 65s),

·       U16 yrs £5.00, 

·       Child U5 Free 

·       Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult

·       Parking is £3.00 per vehicle

Tickets can be purchased on-line here.

Travel:

Head out through Barrow in the direction of Six Hills. Remain on Waltham Road until turning left onto Green Lane in the direction of Croxton Kerrial Passing through the village, take the right hand fork towards Hungerton. Turn right onto Ten Acre Lane and quickly left onto Heath Lane towards the village of Great Ponton. Turn right onto the A1, the Great North Road. After approximately four miles, turn off onto the A151and follow the road through several villages and the centre of Bourne. After a few more villages the A151 enters Spalding. Remain on the road as it passes the train station and becomes King’s Road. Go straight over the island at the Sainsbury’s petrol station. The parking entrance is on the right hand side of the road before the T-junction. Please note that parking is £3.00 per vehicle.