REPORT: Spalding United 1-1 Quorn

By Dan Sheward

Quorn battled to a hard-fought 1–1 draw away at league leaders Spalding United, showing determination and defensive resilience after a difficult start which the Tulips take a second minute lead. Zak Goodson scored his tenth goal of the season with a sublime strike before the break.

It was a nightmare opening for the Reds, as Spalding capitalised on a defensive mix-up inside the opening minutes. A loose clearance led to a goalmouth scramble, with the home side’s Number 8 Alfie Bendle reacting quickest to tap home after an initial effort had been cleared off the line.

Spalding almost doubled their advantage soon after when a whipped cross from the right found Jordan Nicholson, whose first-time strike flashed narrowly wide of the post, a let-off for Quorn.

Despite the early setback, Ryan Beswick’s men gradually grew into the game. Kai Fifield looked lively down the left, standing up his defender and testing the home back line with sharp runs and inviting crosses. Quorn began to find joy on the counter, with blocked efforts from Zak Goodson and Simeon Cobourne signalling their attacking intent.

Goalkeeper Tom Allsopp endured a nervy moment when he rushed from his line and brought down an oncoming Spalding forward, earning a yellow card. He quickly redeemed himself with a fine save from the resulting free kick. The home manager Jimmy Dean also went into the book as tempers flared on the touchline.

Both sides traded chances as the half progressed. Nicholson came close again with a blazed effort over the bar from the edge of the box before Finn O’Boyle responded for Quorn with a similar effort from distance. Then came a warning for Spalding as Goodson drove inside and fired inches wide of the right post, a growing sense for Quorn that the equaliser was coming.

Quorn’s persistence paid off just five minutes before half-time. Captain Reece Fyfe battled superbly through a trio of bodies to release O’Boyle, whose pass found Zak Goodson on the right. The forward made no mistake, curling a first-time effort across goal and into the top corner to level the score at 1–1 with a sublime finish.

The visitors finished the half strongly, with Cobourne proving dangerous down the left flank and delivering several teasing crosses. Quorn went into the break happy with their response and full of belief.

Spalding came flying out of the blocks in the second half, striking the near post almost immediately. Then came the only real chance of the half from Quorn, a Goodson free kick, one that forced a fine low save from the home keeper James Dadge. Moments later, Spalding skipper and former Leicester City and Reading defender, Liam Moore went agonisingly close to putting the Tulips ahead, flicking a header onto the crossbar from a cleverly delivered free kick.

As the half wore on, Spalding began to dominate possession and push Quorn deeper into their own half. The hosts missed a series of golden chances, a Jack Roberts effort curling just wide, Bart Cybulski sliding inches from converting at the back post, and substitute Abduramane Sani somehow lifting the ball over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

Allsopp was in inspired form, producing several outstanding saves to keep the scores level, including a stunning backtracking tip-over from a looping deflection.

Beswick turned to his bench, introducing Billy Kee for Finn O’Boyle and later Jasper Tetlow for Kai Fifield as Quorn sought to regain control and protect a hard-earned point. The Reds defended resolutely during five minutes of added time, throwing bodies on the line to deny the home side a late winner.

A tough second half saw Quorn dig deep under heavy pressure, but their work rate and togetherness earned them a valuable point against the table-toppers. It was a performance full of heart, with Allsopp outstanding in goal and Goodson’s magnificent strike securing the draw.

Ryan Beswick was full of praise for the opposition and Jimmy Dean, highlighting their reputation as ‘the best team in the league’. However, the gaffer was pleased with the togetherness and determination the squad showed to get the point over the line stating, “on the flip side, we showed our grit, our spirit not to concede”.

The Reds Quorn return to the Stotto Stadium on Saturday, hosting Kettering Town, as they look to build on this solid display with another positive result.