Damage in the Box!: SPALDING UNITED (Sir Halley Stewart Ground)

After setting off at 7.30am for Sutton United v Hastings United, and a chance to watch The U's clinch the Isthmian League title, it was upon reaching Chester that the "hopmobile" decided enough was enough and had to be towed back to base. This took around 90 minutes so the clock was ticking towards 10am and an alternative had to be sought.

I did suggest the days Shropshire hop as a cheap alternative, but my mate was unconvinced.

As I was no longer the designated driver this was now not my call, but as ever I always happy to go with flow.

Eventually Spalding was selected as the destintion, and even though it was a nothing game (they had already been relegated) they have been shipping goals for fun so we thought lets go "goal whoring" and boost our averages!

The Sir Halley Stewart Field is where Spalding have played since their formation in 1921. The ground was originally called the Black Swan ground but was re-named in 1954 after Sir Halley Stewart, who was a local Liberal MP and philanthropist. The ground is more or less slap bang in the town centre and is very easy to get to. It also allows for a quick jaunt to a local GBG pub, in this case The Red Lion, for a decent pint of Abbot Ale.

In blazing hot sunshine the game was a tepid affair, but at least there were goals, though not as many as there could have/should have been. The Wrens took the lead inside three minutes when Chris Hewitt slotted home a cross. Matt Baxter doubled the advantage on 25 minutes before he added a third on 52 minutes with a great finish.

The Tulips (nick-named after Spalding's links with the bulb industry) created a few chances of their own but some of their defensive play left a lot to be desired and it was easy to see why they have shipped over 120 goals and have a goal difference of -80.

Hopefully they can regroup in the United Counties League next season and come back stronger.

Hopefully my car can also come back stronger in time for next weekend!