Jimmy Dean’s men ended pre-season with a comfortable win against National League South’s Chelmsford City on Saturday afternoon. A solid performance from the boys saw Spalding round off pre-season with 6 wins out of 7 as we look forward to the new season.

The Tulips got off to a flying start with Olopade troubling the Clarets defence linking up nicely with teammate Roberts to force a save from the Chelmsford shot stopper.

On 14 minutes, Olopade went on a dazzling run before dispatching the ball into the back of the net to give us the lead.

Just minutes later, Michael Kelly whipped in a corner that bounced off a few heads before landing at Roberts’ feet who hit the bar from close range. Roberts then crossed a teasing ball into the box that was smartly left by Ceesay for Sembie-Ferris, whose shot sailed just over the bar.

Ceesay almost made it 2-0 on two occasions prior to half-time as Sembie-Ferris played a lovely through ball to the winger who skipped past the keeper but was stopped by a Chelmsford defender as his cross was headed away. He then slotted home from a Roberts cross but was caught in an offside position according to the referee.

A dominant first half all over the pitch from the Tulips was not fully reflected by the scoreline that remained 1-0 at half-time.

Chelmsford found themselves with a couple of chances early into the second half with shots from Rhys Browne and Holmes being saved comfortably by Crook.

Then, on the hour mark, Sembie-Ferris went down injured and was replaced by Maniche Sani who provided a set of fresh legs as well as an attacking flair. He went close with a shot from outside the box, but it was deflected behind by the Chelmsford defence for a corner.
With the full-time whistle looming, the Tulips almost put the game to bed after Sani delivered a ball into Roberts who hit the post from inside the 18-yard area.

FT: Spalding United 1-0 Chelmsford City

By Zakk Symonds

A huge thanks to Bob Sharman for supplying us with his photographs.

His handle is @pitchside.bob and his website is www.bobsharman.photo