The Tulips progress to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup after defeating Hanley Town 2-0 on Saturday. Second-half goals from Dion Sembie-Ferris and Ben Fowkes secured our place in the third-round qualifying, with the draw set to take place on Monday 21st at 1pm.

The fixture started with Hanley applying intense pressure to the Spalding back line, with the opposition utilising the long ball approach.

Just minutes into the half, Dan Jarvis received the ball in the wide area before unleashing a tame effort straight at the keeper.

Sembie-Ferris then went close as a long throw was launched into the area, but the makeshift striker headed narrowly wide with the keeper in no man's land.

The best chance of the first half fell to Dan Jarvis, who received a wonderful ball from Betteka after he outmuscled his defender. However, Jarvis’ subsequent shot clipped the top of the crossbar leaving the crowd stunned.

Lucas Knight pulled off an unbelievable save to deny a certain Barton goal as Kelly looked to set his new acquaintance up with a goal. Then, Barton turned playmaker as he teed up Sembie-Ferris whose shot found the back of the net, only to be called back for offside.

It was a disappointing first half performance from Spalding with chances being created, but none being buried by the home side.

Early into the second 45, a triple change saw Roberts, Fowkes and Sani enter the field in an attempt to rejuvenate the attacking outfit.

Following the substitutions, the momentum swayed in Spalding’s favour as chances started to arise for the hosts.

Maniche Sani went close, being played through by Byrne, but his shot was turned behind for a corner.

Then, on 73 minutes, Spalding finally broke the deadlock after Ben Fowkes drove down the byline and played the ball across the face of goal to find Sembie-Ferris who fired home for 1-0!

Shortly after, Knight crafted a wonderful double save, denying both Straughan-Brown and Sani to keep Hanley in the tie.

Yet his heroics could only delay Hanley’s misery as Spalding doubled their lead through Fowkes after he latched onto a lovely cut back from Pugh to make for a calm finish.

A much-improved second half performance means Spalding are into the hat for Monday’s draw, Come on You Tulips!

FT Score: Spalding United 2-0 Hanley Town

Written by Zakk Symonds