Spalding Utd 5 (Tolley 19, 32&79, Musgrove 8, Kennedy 74) Sleaford Town 1 (Bishop 31): If the headlines hurt some of the Tulips’ players on Tuesday morning, then it made their reaction that night all the sweeter.
Manager Pat Rayment told the Lincolnshire Free Press that under-performing “big names” will be shown the door – and even this display has not changed his mind.
The first of the unlucky ones will learn their fate at training tonight.
However, Rayment was pleased with the response against Sleaford. Man of the match Shane Tolley grabbed a hat-trick and midfielders Scott Musgrove and Luke Kennedy also scored.
Rayment said: “That will do Tolley the world of good.
“He missed all of pre-season so he’s still getting match fit. We know his quality – that’s why he’s on a two-year deal.”
Winger Tom James grabbed the chance of a first start with both hands.
“He stepped up to the plate,” said the boss. “The lad has remarkable potential but he just needs to keep listening to us.”
The night had its casualties with Musgrove, Glen Fuff and sub Liam Bull picking up injuries which ended their participation in a game which also saw Sleaford’s Kris Jones and Liam Tunstall sent off for tackles.
The Tulips’ main frailty so far has been at the back and their lone blunder on Tuesday came when they allowed Nick Bishop a free far-post header to pull Sleaford back into it at 2-1.
Tulips: Drury, Doherty, Earls, Fuff (Chamberlain 35mins), Canoville, Kennedy, James, Musgrove (Bull 26mins (Stevens 54mins)), Tolley, Green, Steadman. Subs not used: Joyce, Hussey.