Spalding United are one win away from a place in the history books after edging through a dramatic play-off semi-final at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.
It was a night of tension, momentum swings and eventual joy as the Tulips overcame Halesowen to set up a home final against Real Bedford.
After a season that has taken supporters on a rollercoaster, this was always going to be a defining evening. The stakes were clear before kick-off, progression would mean a shot at promotion in front of their own supporters, while defeat would bring everything to an abrupt halt. The sense of occasion was reflected in the crowd, with around 2,000 inside the ground, believed to be the highest attendance at the Sir Halley Stewart Field, and a town fully behind its team.
Spalding finished second to earn home advantage, and there was just one change from the side that started at the weekend as captain Liam Moore returned to the XI, with Lewis White dropping to the bench.
Perhaps understandably, both sides began with a degree of caution, nerves evident in the early exchanges as neither team managed to settle. As the half wore on, Spalding began to take control, growing into the contest and creating the better openings. Three promising chances came and went for the hosts, but despite their increasing dominance, the breakthrough would not come before the interval.
Thank you for your incredible support for tonight’s game💪🌷 pic.twitter.com/PT1ZIeGwh8
— Spalding United FC (@SpaldingUnited) April 29, 2026
The second half nearly brought an immediate setback. Halesowen’s Cowley found space, drove into the box and unleashed a left-footed effort that narrowly cleared the bar, a warning sign for the hosts. It prompted a response, but they were soon indebted to goalkeeper Daniel Wilks, who produced a superb save to deny an overhead kick before reacting again to push the resulting corner away from danger.
There was further drama just past the hour mark when an incident on the touchline led to the Spalding manager being sent off, adding another layer of tension to an already charged encounter. Rather than derail the hosts, it seemed to galvanise them. Moments later, a frantic goalmouth scramble had the ball seemingly over the line, only for the referee to wave play on.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute. Jack Roberts drove down the flank, beat his man and delivered a composed pass into the box, where Yusuf Ceesay was on hand to apply a simple finish and send the home crowd into raptures.
Halesowen refused to go quietly, striking the post and sending another effort just over as they chased an equaliser, but Spalding stood firm through six minutes of added time to secure a hard-earned victory.
Now, just one game remains. A play-off final on home soil against Real Bedford awaits on Bank Holiday Monday, with a 3 pm kick-off, and with it, the chance for this Spalding side to complete a remarkable season in front of their own supporters.
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