A burglar raided a house before taking his haul away in a wheel barrow.

Jonathon Burton entered the property in Lighton Avenue, Frampton, while the householders were away for the weekend.

Phil Howes, prosecuting at Lincoln Crown Court, said tools taken from a garden shed were used to force a way into the house.

Mr Howes said: “All the rooms were entered. Cupboards were rummaged through. The stolen items were loaded into a wheelbarrow and transported away.”

Jewellery, cutlery and clothes were among the property stolen, as well as a number of sentimental items. Other items were moved ready to be taken away.

Afterwards Burton went to his brother’s home and became involved in an altercation which resulted in police being called.

Following his arrest Burton went on to admit a second burglary at Penny Gardens, Kirton.

Burton (32), of Dennis Estate, Kirton, admitted burglary on November 12 and asked for the Penny Gardens burglary to be taken into consideration.

Neil Sands, defending, said that Burton had difficulty in sleeping and went for a walk which culminated in him committing the Lighton Avenue burglary.

He said that at the time Burton was facing a magistrates court hearing for other matters and had convinced himself he was going to prison.

“He had simply given up on everything. He committed both offences on impulse before going to court the following Monday. The magistrates then took a course whereby he was given a final chance.”

Mr Sands said Burton has been making progress and urged his sentence be deferred to give him the chance to show he could sustain his improvement.

Recorder Nigel Daly deferred sentence for six months.

Burton was told not to commit any further offences in the interim period, to try to maintain his current job as a farm worker and to save up to pay compensation.

The Recorder told him: “I will not send you to prison if you have complied and behaved properly but if you don’t you know what is going to happen.”

Sports fans can look forward to a series of evenings with the stars later this year.

A new event management company has been set up to bring some big names from the world of sport to Spalding – and the first on the list for an event in April is cricketing legend Geoffrey Boycott OBE.

Later in the year, guests can enjoy an evening in the company of other legends, including Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave and England rugby triple header Bill Beaumont, Rory Underwood and Jason Leonard.

The Boys of ‘66 – England World Cup footballing heroes Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst will also star at an event in November.

The events, which will be held at Springfields Events Centre, are being organised by JT Promotions Ltd, a new venture for Surfleet Seas End couple John and Linda Turnell.

John said: “This corner of the country does sometimes seem to be starved of big names so we thought we would try a new direction and start up this new company to bring sporting stars to Spalding.

“Seeing big stars at this type of event was something that interested me, so I thought there could be a wider demand for it.

“We are starting out with people from the world of sport but we could broaden our horizons in the future to put on events that appeal to a wider audience, such as women.

“We have four events lined up for this year and we’ll just wait and see what sort of response we get.”

Tables for ten are available now for the Geoffrey Boycott event on April 25. Smaller parties should contact John or Linda.

More information is available on the website at www.aneveningwith.co

A father of a 27-year-old cyclist killed on a road in Pode Hole has welcomed news the speed limit will be reduced – but says it shouldn’t have taken a young man’s death for it to happen.

Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed the speed limit on the A151 Bourne Road is to be reduced from 50mph 
to 40mph following the end of a public consultation last week.

Stephen Osborn’s son, Tim, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the A151 in Sepember.

His mum Lynne and family found Tim’s lifeless body at about midnight in a ditch beside the road after he failed to return home from his job at Morrison’s in Pinchbeck.

Mr Osborn said: “While we welcome the news, it is a shame a young man has to die before it happened.

“There have been four or five protests to reduce the speed limit and we would like to thank everyone who supported the one launched after Tim’s death. We only hope drivers slow down and stick to the new speed limit.”

The news was also welcomed by Selina Holland who gathered 500 signatures for the petition after Tim’s death.

Selina (20) said: “I’m really pleased. My older brother was once whacked by a car and broke his arm when he did a paper round. It shouldn’t have come to a death for it to happen, though.”

John Siddle, of the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, said speed limits have been reviewed across the county.

He said: “It’s about driving at an appropriate speed. Hopefully this should make the county a better place to drive in.”

The 41-year-old driver from Sleaford arrested in September on suspicion of causing Tim’s death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident is due to answer bail on Wednesday.

The best young businesses in the area are about to get even better now the winners of the 2013 Spalding Guardian Local Business Accelerators (LBA) campaign have been announced.

GiftsOnline4U of Spalding, ANP Services Spalding and Glass By DnR of Sutton Crosses can now look forward to mentoring from local business, legal and finance experts and an advertising package worth hundreds of pounds.

They will also be put forward to win a national prize of a year’s mentoring by Business Ambassador Deborah Meaden, the entrepreneur and investor who appears on TV’s Dragons’ Den.

The winner will also receive a local advertising campaign devised by a top London creative agency, plus a £10,000 cash sum from the Business Growth Fund.

Over the past few weeks six local businesses on the shortlist have been visited by the South Lincolnshire-based business mentors Spalding Guardian and Lincolnshire Free Press editor Jeremy Ransome, Deborah Brown from Roythornes solicitors, Paul Fox from NatWest bank and Alistair Main from Duncan and Toplis chartered accountants.

Other businesses on the shortlist were J Heanes Electrical of Sutton St James, MRN Recruitment Ltd of Spalding, and Drive By Websites Ltd of Spalding.

Jeremy said: “We were delighted with the standard of entries this year. Choosing the finalists was not easy but we feel they will most benefit from the help the mentors can offer.”

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, finalist Sabina Dungarwalla of GiftsOnline4U was really feeling the love.

She said: “We are really excited to be one of the winners and are looking forward to getting the expert help we need to help our business grow.”

Duncan Barker-Magowan of Glass By DnR is particularly delighted by the advertising package.

He said: “You can throw a lot of money at promoting your business, but now we have experts to help us and that is fantastic.”

Looking forward to excellent growth is gardening and lawn car business ANP Services Adam Pilgrim said: “I was really surprised to win but I’m now looking forward to bigger and better things to come.”

Watch out for features on all of our winners in future editions of the Spalding Guardian.

Holbeach Parish Council has shaved another £9,000 off its 2013-14 budget - but without hitting community groups in the process.

A planned reintroduction of a quiet area in Carter’s Park worth about £5,000 have been temporarily shelved in a bid by councillors to save just over £18,000 in the next financial year.

Other savings on insurance, administrative costs, parks and cemeteries of about £4,000 have also been made, but grants for 13 groups totalling about £7,000 will stay intact.

These include £3,500 to South Holland Voluntary Car Scheme and £1,000 each to Holbeach in Bloom and the New Millennium Lighting Committee, responsible for Christmas lights in Holbeach.

The savings were confirmed at a parish council meeting last Monday on top of almost £11,000 worth of cuts previously agreed in line with a 2013-14 precept of £188,585.

Coun Paul Brighton, chairman of the council’s finance committee, said: “We’ve managed to find another £9,000 in savings which means our overall budget is now slightly below our precept figure, giving us a little bit in hand.

“The biggest saving we looked at was £5,000 for the quiet area in Carter’s Park which we saw as something nice to have, rather than needing to have.”

Events for the week February 14-20

Saturday

Snowdrop walk, St Mary’s Church, Whaplode, free of charge, refreshments available, 10am to 3.30pm.

Snowdrops, aconites and hellebores, Little Ponton Hall, in aid of Gardens Open for Charity and Little Ponton Church. Admission £5, children free, 11am to 4pm.

Prom Fayre, Bicker Village Hall, admission £1, 9.30am to 4.30pm, 01775 822734

Table top sale, Pinchbeck Village Hall, proceeds to Pets as Therapy, 10am, 01775 761795

Cake stall at Moulton Mill, 10am, 01406 373237

Deepings Camera Club 2013 Exhibition of Photography, Deepings Community Centre, Market Deeping, admission free, 10am to 4pm, 07954 377876

Circus Mondao, Baytree Nurseries Garden Centre, Weston, until Sunday, various times and prices. 07722 791777

Sunday

Snowdrop walk, St Mary’s Church, Whaplode, free of charge, refreshments available, 11.30am to 3.30pm.

Snowdrops, aconites and hellebores, Little Ponton Hall, in aid of Gardens Open for Charity and Little Ponton Church. Admission £5, children free, 11am to 4pm.

Deepings Camera Club 2013 Exhibition of Photography, Deepings Community Centre, Market Deeping, admission free, 10am to 4pm). 07954 377876

Table top sale plus raffle, refreshments and stalls, Gedney Dyke Village Hall, admission by donation, (11am). 07795 096559

Blackpool Tower organist Phil Kelsall plays the Compton and Wurlitzer theatre organs, Burtey Fen Collection, Pinchbeck (2.30pm). Admission £10, including refreshments. 01775 766081

Stained Glass Workshop, Strawberry Glass, Unique Cottage Studios, Spalding (10am). 01775 766698

Ramblers group eight-mile walk, Frampton Marsh, meeting at RSPB nature reserve car park (10am). 01205 722493

Circus Mondao, Baytree Garden Centre, Weston, until today, various times and prices, 07722 791777.

Monday

Gosberton Church Fellowship meeting with speaker, raffle, bring and buy and refreshments, Gosberton church hall, admission £1 members/£3 non-members. 01775 840694

The Kingfishers Model Boat Club monthly meeting, Avenue Farm Road, Sutton Bridge (7.30pm). 01406 350968

Bethany Support Group for the Bereaved, The Vista, Spalding (2.30pm). 01775 767165

Tuesday

Spalding Holiday Club, Spalding Youth Club (9.30am), £12 for the day. 01775 712359

February Funtime, a free afternoon of fun during half term, United Reformed Church hall, Spalding (2pm to 4pm). 01775 724139

Spalding and District Stamp Club, annual competitions and monthly competition plus bring and buy (7.30pm). 01775 767464

Wednesday

Royal British Legion Gosberton branch meeting followed by refreshments and raffle, Gosberton church hall (7.30pm). 01775 840519

Friends of Bourne Wood, A talk by Joyce Stevenson on the history of fruit varieties, especially local apple varieties, plus annual general meeting, St John’s Ambulance Hall, Bourne (7.30pm). 077604 68052

Talk: An Evening with Feathered Friends, Annettee Mackenzie talking about owls and bringing birds with her, Morton Village Hall (7.30pm).

If you have an event you would like included in the weekly listings, email jean.hodge@jpress.co.uk

The information in this column is supplied to us, please ring the organisers where possible to confirm the event before setting out on your journey.

A top Spalding cop has praised the use of CCTV in helping to catch a persistent thief and have him behind bars in less than a week.

Aidas Luksas was caught stealing perfume from Savers on Sunday and the next day was facing an 18-week sentence for five counts of theft, including an Xbox from another shop on the previous Wednesday.

The Xbox theft, from the Sale Room in the Crescent, was caught on the shop’s CCTV and police were able to identify Luksas in the footage.

Insp Jim Tyner, of Spalding Police, is a firm supporter of the use of CCTV in solving crime.

He said: “This is another example of CCTV playing a vital role in helping the police bring offenders to justice for the benefit of the people of Spalding.

“The presence of CCTV, whether it be the town system or those in shops, enables officers to promptly identify and apprehend those responsible for blighting our town with theft and anti-social behaviour and to bring them swiftly before the courts.

“It also provides opportunities where the community is able to assist the police in identifying individuals and shows excellent results can be achieved when police, local authorities, retailers and residents all work together.”

Luke Arons, owner of the Sale Room, tweeted his appreciation to Spalding police for catching the thief and getting him behind bars so quickly.

Mr Arons (32) said: “CCTV is all over my shop to deter shoplifting and I have to say it’s the best £200 I’ve spent.

“In this instance I was with a customer who pointed out to me that the man was acting suspiciously.

“When he left we went over and I saw the Xbox was missing. I chased him across town and caught up with him in the Poacher car park, but he got away from me at High Bridge and I called the police.

“I went back to the car park and found the Xbox under some leaves.

“Police took the video and were able to identify the thief. I’d really like to thank them for everything they did. Catching him, court and prison in five days is amazing.”

Phil Scarlet, vice-resident of Spalding Chamber of Commerce, was equally impressed in the work of the police.

He said: “Shoplifting is a problem in town but quite often you hear about cases coming up 12 to 18 months after the incident.

“This is one of the occasions where a shop’s own CCTV works in conjunction with the town centre CCTV.

“It is an important deterrent in the fight against crime.”

Luksas (26) appeared in Grantham Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He pleaded guilty to the theft chicken fillets from the Co-op on January 14, chick fillets from Late Shopper on January 25, the Xbox from the Sale Room and chicken fillets and cheese from Savers on February 7 and perfume from Savers on February 10.

Foreign Governments should pick up the bill when their citizens bleed Britain’s resources according to council leader Gary Porter.

The South Holland District Council leader is not opposed to migrants coming to Britain to make better lives for themselves.

But he is against Britain picking up the tab when migrants turn up and simply drain the country’s resources.

Coun Porter first aired his views on Twitter saying: “Govment lawyers need to work up a way to make all foreign (inc EU) countries take out bonds to stop their citizens consuming our resources.”

The councillor told the Spalding Guardian that he feels the problem of Britain picking up the tab for foreign nationals will worsen when Romanian and Bulgarian citizens start pouring into the UK.

He said: “Even if our Government can’t stop people coming in, which they can’t, they do need to find a way of making sure that the Government that lets them come out is responsible for any demand that they place on our social system.

“I am not opposed to people who want to come here and make a better life for themselves and get on with that, but what I am opposed to is people who come here and then just end up bleeding resources out of the system.

“You would have to be a strange person to say somebody cannot try to make a better life for themselves.”

A driver had to be cut free after his car was in a collision near the Crowland bypass.

Emergency services attended the scene on the B1166 in Hulls Drove, Portland, this morning.

The road was closed at 8.15am for the recovery of the vehicles - a Peugeot 206 and a Mercedes Vito van.

Firefighters removed the roof of the car to free the driver. It is understood he was injured and taken to Peterborough Hospital.

In-form Spalding Hockey Club 1st smashed Dereham 2nd 6-1 to stay bang in the promotion picture in East Men’s Hockey League Division 2N.

In-form Spalding Hockey Club 1st smashed Dereham 2nd 6-1 to stay bang in the promotion picture in East Men’s Hockey League Division 2N.

Tom Hewitt fired the first of a hat-trick to settle Spalding down early on, after they quelled an early barrage from the visitors at Glen Park on Saturday.

Marcus Drury then thumped home a deserved second before the break, as the hosts took command.

With Spalding playing some slick stuff, Danny Shardlow made it 3-0 before two more Hewitt efforts put the game to bed. Although Dereham pulled one back, Matt Sanders turned home a well worked short corner to round off the win.

It’s now three wins on the trot for fourth-placed Spalding, who are four points off a place in the top two.

Meanwhile, Long Sutton 1st were battered 7-0 by Cambs Uni 2nd in Premier B.

Sutton made numerous mistakes and couldn’t handle the excellent movement and pace the second-placed Cambridge side had to offer.

There was better news for Long Sutton 2nd, who thrashed Spalding 3rd 9-1 in Division 4NW.

Player-of-the-match Ben Shore helped himself to a hat-trick, as did Nick Bailey. Luke Lovegrove and Jeremy Watt also got in on the act for Sutton at the Peele Leisure Centre, with an own goal completing the scoring. Sutton remain four points off top with a game in hand, while Spalding are hovering above the drop zone.

In the same division, Spalding 2nd picked up a fine 3-1 success at St Neots 2nd.

Despite falling behind in the first half, Pete Wright soon levelled before strikes from James Lowson and Chris McKenna after the break sealed the points.

In Division 6NW (N) it was derby day with two Spalding versus Long Sutton clashes.

Long Sutton 3rd further cemented their position in second with a 3-0 triumph over Spalding 5th.

Player-of-the-match Matt King put Sutton ahead from a well-worked short corner routine, before an Ed White shot was deflected into the Spalding net for an own goal.

Although Aidan Friskney had a fine game in Spalding’s goal, he was then beaten by Alex Canham in the second half.

Spalding 4th did gain a measure of revenge in the other derby duel, as they beat Long Sutton 3rd 3-1.

An own goal put Spalding 1-0 up at the break, before Julian Higgins’ wonder strike doubled the lead. A George Swindells effort was then deflected in by a defender for 3-0, but Sutton did grab a consolation through Jason Mallet’s reverse stick strike.

• Goal-crazy Spalding Poachers 3rd smashed 12 as they crushed Ely in Cambs Ladies’ League Division Two.

Three players shared the goals in a 12-1 romp, with Alex Allwright (5), AJ Bunjan (4) and player-of-the-match Katie Gray (3) all on-song.

Long Sutton 1st were also on winning form as they secured a much-needed 3-1 success over Ipswich 3rd in East Women’s League Division 1N.

Leanne Woodhead bagged a double and Sarah Walker netted the other to move Sutton clear of the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Spalding Poachers 1st sunk high-flying Cambs City 2nd 2-0 at Glen Park to move within four points of them in Division 2NW. Spalding bossed the crunch clash from the off, but couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first period.

Emma Dalton finally broke the deadlock from a short corner four minutes from time, before Kelly Slater converted a long corner from Roz Dennis to seal the points.

Meanwhile, Long Sutton Ladies’ 2nd put on a five-star showing to see off Horncastle 2nd 5-3 in Lincolnshire Women’s Green League.

Anna Smith fired home the opener, before Rachel Gadsden and a penalty flick from Smith made it 3-0. Jeorgia Carr slotted home a fourth to put Sutton clear, but Horncastle pulled one back.

Carr added number five to make the points safe, rendering a late Horncastle strike as mere consolation.

Elsewhere, Spalding Poachers 2nd suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Cambs Uni 3rd in Cambs Ladies’ League Premier Division. Maisie Dobbs, Karen Thorold, Eva Keyes and Kirsty Goodale defended well to limit the size of the loss.

Archers from Silver Spoon Bowmen smashed records galore as they took part in the latest instalment of the Boston Indoor Series at the Peter Payne Sports Centre.

Shooting a Vegas round at the Friskney Bowmen-hosted event, the Spalding club dominated as club records rolled in most categories.Emily Must won the senior lady compound with a club record and personal best (PB) score.
Dan Smith took the senior gents’ compound with the same score as fellow Silver Spoon ace Craig Shinkin, who was second. Meanwhile, Sam Newton landed the senior gents’ recurve with a new club record and PB, while Lynn Fisher came second in the senior ladies’ recurve – again with a club record and PB.
Also a winner was Margaret Marsh in the senior ladies’ barebow with the customary club record and PB combination.
Another to set a PB was Ian Prior, who came second in the junior gents’ recurve.
The trio of Sam Newton, Emily Must and Lynn Fisher won the Team Trophy, with Lynn and John Fisher retaining the Husband and Wife Trophy.

Bertie the black labrador cross that missing in the Bourne area a week ago has been found.

He is recovering in a vets in Peterborough after being found yesterday injured in a garden in Cowbit.

It is believed the dog had been hurt in a road accident a couple of days earlier and had a bad laceration on one of his hind legs.

Owner Ben Woodgett-Dawson says has been overwhelmed with the help from the public in what he described as “a week of torture” and would like to thank everyone for their support.

For the full story, see Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

Holbeach and Fenland gymnasts came back from Spalding Gymnastic Academy’s Tulip Invitational competition with some well-
deserved medals.

The friendly event was a great opportunity for the club’s gymnasts to practice in competition conditions for the forthcoming county meet.

Holbeach and Fenland’s artistic teams competed at level five–and gymnasts from the club’s ‘A’ team, Lydia Burton, Lucia Kato, Kaitlyn Masters and Maddie Yellop, claimed the silver medal.

Not done there, talented youngster Burton also took home the bronze medal on floor as an individual competitor.

Tydd St Mary under-10s enjoyed a cracking debut in their new McDonalds-sponsored strip as they devoured their opposition.

The young Saints came from 2-0 down against hosts March Soccer School to win 7-2 , with leading scorer Tyler Merrison firing a brace and captain Josh Baker netting a hat-trick to round off an outstanding display.

Also on target were Ethan Kemball and Kieran Greetham.

The young Tydd team are pictured above, with manager Dave Monaghan receiving the new kit from Richard Hyde of McDonalds, Long Sutton.

Monaghan said: “A big thank you to Richard and McDonalds for sponsoring our kit. Hopefully it will raise the profile of our small club and help it to grow in years to come.”

PINCHBECK UTD U13S 5

DEEPING RANGERS U13S 2

Pinchbeck continued their impressive season with a resounding win over arch rivals Deeping.

Although Rangers went ahead on ten minutes, Pinchbeck’s Lewis Harker hit back immediately with a superb half-volley from 20 yards that flew into the top corner.

Deeping got their noses ahead again thanks to a stunning 25-yard lob, but it was soon 2-2 when Ben Lawrence crossed from the right for Layton Maddison to head home.

Pinchbeck went ahead for the first time when centre back Kieran Hamilton showed steely determination as he cleared the ball out of his own box and ran at blistering pace 70 yards up the field to latch onto a Jacko Withers pass and blast a right foot shot in off the cross bar from 12 yards.

From then there was no stopping United, as another Lawrence cross allowed Brandin Mahon to net from six yards.

But the best was saved for last, as Withers rattled home a stunning 30-yard half-volley in off the bar to make it 5-2.

HOLBEACH UTD U10S 3

ARSENAL ORANGE U10S 1

Holbeach took the spoils in their biggest game of the season so far as they saw off title rivals Arsenal Orange.

It was nip and tuck in the opening exchanges as the league’s top two battled it out, before Callum Hoole converted Willis Wright’s corner.

Although Thomas Moxon and Jack Smith were outstanding in defence, it took an excellent stop by keeper Jenson Patterson to keep the young Tigers ahead at the break.

Early in the second half sub Louis “rocket” Taylor lived up to his name as he smashed a contender for goal of the season from the right hand side, opening his account for the campaign in the process.

Holbeach continued to pile on the pressure and it was an excellent team move that included Lewis Collishaw, Wright, Hoole and James Clark that saw Jack Cunnington convert their third goal of the game. Clark then missed a penalty, before Harrison Radwell netted a late consolation for the Gunners.

The victory is a perfect ninth out of nine for the young Tigers, who cleared a sizeable hurdle in their bid for the championship trophy.

SPALDING UTD U16S 12

LEVERINGTON U16S 0

Goal-crazy Spalding continued their push for the title with a crushing win.

In their first league game since December, wet conditions and a slippery pitch did not make for a flowing game.

Playing against ten men, the young Tulips led 4-0 at the break and added a further eight as Leverington tired.

Wes Wilson led the charge with a hat-trick, while Liam French (2), Jayden Leaver (2) , Jordan Philpott, Jordan Watson , Tyler Wright and Lewis Smalley were also among the goals.

SPALDING UTD U13S 7

COATES ATH U13S 0

A Keegan Walters treble helped Spalding make safe progress in the cup.

On a wet and soggy morning, the young Tulips enjoyed plenty of possession.

Liam Slayven scored the opener from the penalty spot before Waters bagged his first two to make it 3-0 at half time.

The second half saw Brandon Hall net two and Kyle Matthews get on the scoresheet, while Waters added another to complete his hat-trick.

YOUNG DONS U15S 2

HOLBEACH UTD U15S 7

Holbeach got back to winning ways with what proved to be a comfortable derby victory on Sunday.

Filip Pilarz fired the young Tigers ahead after a Declan Earth pass, before they scored their best team goal of the season through Ben Gibbons.

Louis Steadman scored in the first minute of the second half to put Holbeach 3-0 up, but then came Young Dons’ best spell of the game, pulling one back straight away before making it 3-2 with 15 minutes to go.

With Adam Groves also pulling off some top saves, Holbeach managed to blow Dons away late on. Pilarz got his second of the game, with Earth getting the fifth before Steadman grabbed two more – including a penalty – to complete his hat-trick.

NETHERTON UTD U11S 3

HOLBEACH UTD U11S 1

Two late goals denied hard-working Holbeach a share of the spoils.

The young Tigers started well , having a couple of chances on goal.

But they couldn’t finish their opportunities off and Netherton replied with the first goal of the game.

The Tigers stayed on the attack with Billy Barnes having a shot saved and then sending an effort into the side netting. Despite their best efforts, they stayed at 1-0 down at the break.

Holbeach had all the play for the first ten minutes of the second half – and their pressure finally paid off when Matt Goodley scored a deserved equaliser.

With both sides battling for the win, tension was high in the closing stages. Netherton

were then awarded a penalty – and although the first strike was saved, the rebound was tucked away. Netherton then sealed the points with a third.

SLEAFORD TOWN U10S 1

YOUNG DONS U10S 3

Resilient Dons earned a deserved win in testing conditions.

A quality passing move saw them break the deadlock when Tyler McKendrick and Mason Shores combined to lay on the opener for Luke Scampion, who delivered the perfect finish. Buoyed by the breakthrough goal, Dons went on to boss the remainder of the half without adding to their tally.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Dons had the better of the opening exchanges of the second period.

They eventually grabbed a second goal when the ball found its way to McKendrick on the edge of the area. He showed a neat turn of pace to create a yard of space for himself and fired in a shot low into the corner of the net.

With the clock ticking down, Sleaford gave themselves a lifeline when they caught Dons in possession.

But that didn’t knock the Donington-based side, who are becoming increasingly efficient at grinding out a result.

Luke Hood spotted Shores in space and played a neat ball through for him to finish at the second attempt.

A man accused of manslaughter in Spalding on Christmas Day will stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Guntars Gansons (26), of Pennygate, Spalding, is accused of unlawfully killing Martins Lipsis, in the town’s Winsover Road. He was bailed by Spalding magistrates on Thursday to appear at the crown court on March 14.

Worried Spalding RFC coach Niall Thomson reckons his side may need to win up to five of their remaining games to keep their Midlands One East status.

Second from bottom Town go into Saturday’s home date with Paviors (2.15pm) some seven points from safety. But they were in dire straits this time last year – and a big win at Paviors helped them turn the corner.

“It’s going to be tough to stay up,” admitted Thomson, whose twin 17-year-old sons Rhys and Callum have just broken into the team. “We probably need four or five wins and other results to go our way.

“We’ve proven this season that we can beat anyone on our day. We’re perhaps lacking a few older heads, but we’ve always said that this is a transitional period for the club.

“Paviors will be well organised, but we’ve beaten them before.”

Spalding skipper Harry Sharman is expected to be fit after picking up a nasty head injury last weekend, but fly half Dave Hankinson is still unavailable.

Arsonists are believed to have started a fire that gutted a house in Spalding.

Local firefighters were joined by crews from Holbeach, Donington and Boston at the scene in Queens Road following a call at 12.35pm yesterday.

The staircase, two front bedrooms and landing of the two-storey semi was gutted and the rest of the house suffered severe smoke damage.

One person suffering burns to the left hand was treated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to Boston Pilgrim Hospital.

A man accused of robbing a Spalding building society will stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Nicholas Hall (30), of Hallgate, Holbeach, appeared at Spalding Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He is charged with robbing the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society of £1,400 on October 24 and possessing 0.5 grammes of heroin on November 7. He was bailed to a hearing at the crown court on March 14.

Exciting winger Tyrone Kirk has become the latest big-name signing for Spalding United.

Tulips chief Pat Rayment completed a move for the former Quorn and Stamford ace on Thursday, having lost attackers TJ Nightingale and Tom James to Grantham Town and Deeping Rangers respectively this week.

Kirk, who has just been released from his contract by UCL Premier Division side Quorn, follows recent recruits Lee Beeson, Michael Jacklin, Michael Duggan and Jamie Thurlbourne to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

And Rayment reckons his “mercurial talent” will help Spalding pile the pressure on title rivals Holbeach United and St Ives Town.

He said: “Tyrone will certainly give us more attacking flair and will help us put teams on the back foot.

“We’ve got ten weeks of the season left and he could prove to be a massive addition for us.

“Let’s be honest, it’s an uphill task for us to win the title from here. But signing the likes of Tyrone will help us win more games and that’ll put pressure on the top two.

“The lad is a mercurial talent, he certainly could play at Football League standard if he wanted to. I hope he enjoys his stay with us and maybe we’ll convince him to stay beyond this season.

“The ultimate aim for the season is promotion – and he’s the kind of player that would be well at home in the league above.”

Rayment also confirmed that he’s monitoring Michael Frew’s situation at Lowestoft Town as he eyes-up a loan move for the contracted attacker, who has fallen out of favour with his club.

Spalding host Cogenhoe United tomorrow (Saturday) in the UCL League Cup second round.

Holbeach United could have one hand on the UCL Premier Division trophy on Saturday night – if they can win at chief rivals St Ives Town.

That’s the view of Tigers chief John Chand ahead of the crunch clash at Westwood Road (3pm), with the season very much entering its business end.

Table-topping Holbeach make the trip to Cambridgeshire with a healthy 14-point cushion over their hosts, but having played four games more. Never one to get too carried away, Chand insists he’d be happy with a draw.

But the highly-rated boss warned his high-flying Tigers that they’ll be in for a rough afternoon against the one of the UCL’s most direct teams.

“I’m really looking forward to this one,” admitted Chand. “St Ives are renowned for their impressive home form – which probably has something to do with the state of their pitch.

“The surface isn’t ideal and that’ll obviously affect our style of play, while they know how to get the best out of it.

“We’ve proved that we can dig in, though. I may have to utilise the squad and pick a team that can handle their long-ball style, but that’s the beauty of having a squad.

“If we win then it’d be extremely difficult for them to catch us with us having just ten games left. The saying is that we’d have one hand on the trophy, I suppose. I’d never play for a draw, but that’d be a decent result for us – especially with them playing Spalding on Tuesday night.”

St Ives have major injury worries over key duo Will Fordham and Jimmy Dean, but Holbeach have no fresh concerns ahead of the trip, with striker Jason Turner and Wes Lewis both available.

They are bidding to become only the second visiting team to win at Westwood Road in the league this season.