Spalding’s cup dreams were crushed by a ruthless display from Alvechurch in the Fourth Qualifying Round replay on Tuesday. The Tulips fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat in Worcestershire courtesy of goals from Dan Newton and goal machine Miracle Okafor.

In the early stages of the game, Spalding looked to be the better team tactically, enjoying a prolonged spell of possession and creating chances in the attacking third.

The first of which being an effort inside the box from star-striker Cybulski that was palmed away by the Alvechurch keeper. Dan Barton, then, looked to be hacked down in the 18-yard area by the keeper, but the referee waved away all hopeful appeals.

A few moments later, Dan Jarvis’ low-driven shot was saved well by Evans before he was forced off the field due to injury, with Maniche Sani taking his place.

Then, on 26 minutes, Dan Newton handed the hosts the lead as he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past an outstretched Peter Crook.

Jamey Osborne then doubled Alvechurch’s lead in the 40th minute as his sensational effort looped into the top right corner from a direct free kick.

Spalding trailed 2-0 at half time; a much different scoreline to Saturday’s fixture, which left the Tulips with a lot of work to do if they were to keep themselves in the tie.

However, in the 49th minute, Dan Newton netted his second of the game to make it 3-0 to the hosts.

Bendle and Betteka were subsequently brought on for Straughan-Brown and Fowkes, respectively, in an attempt to get a foot hold in the game.

Then, just minutes later, top goalscorer Miracle Okafor came back to haunt the Spalding supporters as he struck a fourth past Crook, making it his third in two games.

On the hour mark, Spalding were awarded an important penalty: Cybulski stepped up... but Evans produced a wonderful save to keep the Tulips at bay.

The last couple changes were made for either side with Grant replacing Sembie-Ferris and Ejiro Abbey coming on for his first minutes in place of Dan Barton.

But the changes proved too little too late for Spalding as Alvechurch sunk any dreams of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup.

Thank you to each and every fan that supported the Tulips on our FA Cup journey this season; we go again next year!

FT: Alvechurch FC 4-0 Spalding United

Written by Zakk Symonds