A brace of goals either side of the half from Bart Cybulski snatched 3 points from a dangerous Bedford side. An astonishing comeback from the Tulips on Saturday afternoon means we sit 4th in the league standings.

It was a nervy opening 10 minutes, with Bedford looking more promising on the counter through Nto who proved difficult for Sembie-Ferris.

Jack Roberts almost found the net early on as Fowkes floated a ball to the back post where Roberts was lurking, but his shot could only find the side-netting.

Then, on 14 minutes, Joshua Castiglione pounced on a loose header from Liam Moore, rounded the keeper and gave the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

As the Tulips attempted to get themselves back level, Tom Pugh unleashed a rocket of a shot that could have posed a problem for Walker if on target.

Spalding found it very hard to beat the relentless, coordinated press from the Eagles attack, however a few half-chances did arise.

Firstly, Alfie Bendle tested the palms of Walker as he tried his luck from range and then Stewart almost netted an own goal as Bendle teased a ball across the face of goal.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Sembie-Ferris crafted a moment of brilliance as he fired a ball into Cybulski’s feet, who steered home to make the scores level.

Coming out of the half, Spalding looked more confident and creative in possession, threatening the Eagles’ back line.

Then, in the 48th minute, Ben Fowkes plucked the ball out of the air and dribbled down the left flank, before teeing up Cybulski who fired the Tulips into a 2-1 lead!

A pair of substitutions followed as Betteka and Straughan-Brown replaced Ben Fowkes and a limping Shane Byrne, respectively.

Despite the setback, Bedford stayed switched on and forced two wonderful last-ditch tackles from Moore and Johnson that kept the opponents out.

A standing ovation for Bart Cybulski ensued as he made way for Jarvis who came on to see out the game. Straughan-Brown then almost made it 3 after Betteka laid the ball off to him, but his impressive effort sailed just north of the bar.

The game finished as it started, with nerves surging around the ground as Gidaree forced Peter Crook to parry the ball away for a corner in one of the last chances of the game.

However, the exciting playoff clash ended in another 3 points for the Tulips and Cybulski’s 10th and 11th goals of the season!

FT: Spalding United 2-1 Bedford Town

Attendance: 902

Written by Zakk Symonds