It was a frustrating performance from the Tulips on Saturday afternoon (15th August) which saw them fall to a 1-0 defeat against Oxford City at home. A controversial finish from Tyrone Marsh proved to be the decider in an overall close game, securing the 3 points for the Hoops.

Oxford had the fairer share of possession in the opening minutes with Francillette almost heading past Crook after a free kick was whipped into the back-post area. The ball was then cheaply given away to Marsh who played De Silva through on goal, but his shot was lacklustre as it flew past the upright.

The momentum then shifted and Spalding were causing problems for the Oxford defence. An inswinger from Kelly reached captain Liam Moore whose header couldn’t find the target from 6 yards out.

Spalding went close again through Cybulski following a trademark run from Roberts down the right flank who delivered the ball to the striker, but his shot flew just above the crossbar.

Then, on 40 minutes, The Hoops took the lead after a contentious, yet calm, finish from Tyrone Marsh rolled past Crook. The referee looked certain to stop the game when Connor Johnson went down injured but bizarrely let the play continue which resulted in a 1-0 deficit for the Tulips.

Dan Jarvis came off injured before half-time looking visibly emotional which was a huge blow for Spalding as we looked likely to score before the half was over.

Coming out of the break, the boys looked more spirited as the game opened up slightly with both sides exchanging blows. Ceesay clattered into the Oxford shot stopper early into the second half leaving both players down injured.

Halfway into the second half, Roberts troubled the Hoops defence drawing a foul near the corner flag. The ball was drifted in, but no one was there to head home for the Tulips.

Following this, a couple of changes were made with Ceesay being replaced by skilful winger Ben Fowkes and Scott Pollock coming on for Oxford. The latter brought composure for Oxford in the midfield area as they sought to see out the game.

Spalding then played themselves into trouble when Olopade gifted the ball to the Oxford winger, but Liam Moore was there to heroically clear the danger off the line.

Several chances at the death for Spalding went astray as Maxted scrambled to save Roberts’ shot in stoppage-time, followed by half chances that couldn’t be capitalised upon.

FT: Spalding United 0-1 Oxford City

Written by Zakk Symonds