UCL Review 2012-13_9a2d718c

The other two exempt clubs suffered home reverses. Newport Pagnell were surprised 2-1 by Enfield at Willen Road while Oadby came off second best to Spalding in an exciting Freeways Park encounter. Goals from Dan Cotton, Tom James and Luke Kennedy gave the Tulips the win by the odd goal in five. Northampton Spencer’s run ended with a single goal defeat at Borrowash while Deeping were also on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against Potteries visitors Norton. Desborough turned in a below par performance at Causeway losing 2-1 and Shepshed also lost to Midland Alliance opposition, exiting 3-1 to Rocester. Boston Town produced a fine comeback to win 3-2 at Bridgnorth, Josh Ford twice converting spot kicks before Ollie Maltby snatched a last minute winner in Shropshire. AFC Rushden & Diamonds were again involved in a high scoring encounter as they defeated Basford 5-3 at the Dog & Duck. Jake Newman, two goal Ben Morgan, Jake Gillingwater and Jack Wisniewski took Diamonds into the last 64. The draw for Round Three was far from kind with all three survivors handed away ties. Diamonds made the long trip to experienced Vase campaigners Ashington and a Jake Newman goal late in the first half wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat for Mark Starmer’s men. Boston Town also made their exit, after beating three Midland Alliance sides they were unable to make it four as a single early goal gave Gornal a 1-0 victory. Spalding came through a test of character to keep the league flag flying in a delayed tie at Sutton Town. After going ahead through a Luke Kennedy spot kick they were quickly pegged back by a penalty at the other end which also saw them reduced to ten men. The Tulips made light of the man disadvantage with both TJ Nightingale and Kennedy scoring twice more in a 5-1 success. The Tulips continued their run in Round Four as they emerged successfully from a tricky tie at Ely. Spalding fell behind, but two Gary King goals in the space of four minutes, the first a penalty, secured a 2-1 victory and place in the last sixteen. After four away draws out of five Spalding’s luck seemed to have turned when they were handed a home draw in Round Five, their opponents the free scoring Guernsey side. The Tulips started well taking the lead through Gary King but team changes forced by injury disrupted their rhythm and the Channel Islanders took advantage ti run out 3-1 winners.

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