Spalding fell to a third consecutive away loss on Saturday as Hednesford struck two past an injury-stricken Tulips. Second-half finishes from Ahkeem Rose and Will Merry secured the Pitmen’s sixth win of the season.

The Tulips started promisingly, with debutant, Joseph Nyahwema, dancing down the left wing before being halted by a wall of Hednesford defenders.

Nyahwema then received a wonderful cross field pass from Straughan-Brown, but his subsequent cross into the box was scrambled to safety.

Alfie Bendle had a chance at goal in the 19th minute, but his free-kick effort was palmed away by Murdock.

Then, before the first half came to a close, Nyahwema had a handful of chances that flew just wide of the upright.

The Tulips went into the break still searching for an opener despite an inspiring first-half performance from Joseph Nyahwema who provided plenty of chances that were not put away.

Then, a matter of moments after the second half had commenced, Hednesford took the lead through Ahkeem Rose. Mottley-Henry made a brilliant run down the right flank and sent a cross into Rose, who headed the ball into the bottom right corner for 1-0.

The hosts almost extended their lead through Cooke, whose effort struck the post before the Tulips decided to make an early change to the front line; Dan Barton was replaced by loanee Ejiro Abbey.

The attacking threat from Nyahwema resumed just after the hour mark as he flashed the ball across the face of goal, but Murdock tipped the ball over the crossbar to deny Spalding an equaliser.

Two more changes for Spalding ensued as Jarvis and Fowkes replaced Straughan-Brown and Nyahwema.

Spalding then almost equalised through Cybulski who received a brilliant cross from Abbey, but his header was punched away from danger by the Pitmen shot stopper.

With 10 minutes remaining, Peter Crook produced two massive saves to keep the Tulips in the game; however, in the 86th minute, Will Merry doubled the host's lead with a wonderful effort to seal all three points.

An unfortunate result for Spalding, considering the wealth of opportunities that were created, sees us drop to 12th in the league standings.

FT: Hednesford Town 2-0 Spalding United

Written by Zakk Symonds