A FIVE-STAR PERFORMANCE from Jimmy Dean’s men saw Spalding withhold their unbeaten run against Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday afternoon (25th July). A stunning display from Ben Fowkes saw him net four goals against a poor Blues side.

The Tulips were quick out of the blocks, finding joy inside the first two minutes of play. A wonderful ball played over the Blues’ defence by Bendle found Ceesay who squared it to Fowkes to bury it in the back of the visitor’s net.

Just minutes later, Spalding were awarded a corner. The outswinger, taken by Michael Kelly, found Captain Liam Moore at the front post who headed across goal finding Fowkes once again to tap home for 2-0 from 6 yards out.

On 20 minutes, Dan Jarvis unleashed a wonderful strike that rattled against the bar which dropped nicely for Roberts who headed home for 3. Then, before long, Fowkes completed his first half hat-trick following some spirited team play that saw Dan Jarvis with the assist for 4-0.

The goals didn’t stop there for Spalding as Roberts completed a dazzling run down the right flank, finding Jarvis who laid it off for Fowkes to propel the Tulips into a 5-0 lead at half time. An outstanding first half for the Tulips sparked hope for more goals after the break among the fans.

Following the start of the second half, Ceesay looked to get himself on the scoresheet as he produced a dazzling run that eventually got called back for offside after Fowkes impeded the attack.

Four changes after the water break saw Sani, Grant and Olopade enter the field to freshen up the squad’s energy. These changes reinforced Spalding’s attacking threat as the Tulips continued to dictate the tempo of the remainder of the game.

However, Spalding were overall wasteful for the rest of the second half as multiple chances went astray.

FT: Spalding United 5-0 Bishop’s Stortford

By Zakk Symonds