The Tulips scraped their way into the First Round Proper draw on Monday as they drew 2-2 with Alvechurch at home on Saturday. Two second-half goals from Miracle Okafor cancelled out Dan Jarvis’ brace to force a tense finish to the fixture.

The visitors started on the stronger foot, piecing together some impressive passing play before being cut off by the Tulips defence.

Dion Sembie-Ferris, who returned from injury today, played a teasing ball into Dan Barton who got the ball stuck under his feet as Spalding threatened the Alvechurch back line.

In the 12th minute, Ben Stephens unleashed a wonderful curling effort that clipped the top of the crossbar.

Then, on 19 minutes, Dan Jarvis gave Spalding the lead: Barton stormed down the right flank before laying the ball off to Jarvis who rolled the ball into the bottom left corner.

Jarvis then had another shot blocked by the resilient defence, before Miracle Okafor caught Crook off his line and produced a powerful effort that was stopped by the upright.

The rest of the first half was scrappy with a handful of fouls going in Spalding’s favour, but not many chances materialising for either side.

The second half started the way the first ended, with two Alvechurch players being booked in quick succession for unnecessary challenges.

Then, on the hour mark, Jarvis rounded the keeper for his second goal of the game after Ben Fowkes curled a lovely through ball into the midfielder for 2-0!

A double change for Alvechurch followed as they looked to turn the tie on its head, with Ben Stephens and Dan Newton being replaced.

Ben Fowkes then almost provided a third for the Tulips as he flashed a ball across the face of goal, but no one was there to tap the ball home.

Ever since that moment, the Church grew into the game as Spalding began to get complacent with the ball.

In the 82nd minute, Alvechurch found a miracle through Miracle Okafor as he was allowed to get his shot away, beating a perplexed Crook.

Then, in the 90th minute, the referee awarded a contentious penalty that was converted by Okafor yet again to bring Alvechurch level.

A couple of last-minute chances arose for Spalding with headers from Sani and Fox being comfortably saved by Evans between the Alvechurch sticks.

A frustrating yet tense climax to the game means that Spalding will now travel to Alvechurch on Tuesday evening for a Fourth qualifying round replay.

FT: Spalding United 2-2 Alvechurch FC

Attendance: 991

Written by Zakk Symonds