There was another busy night of action for Lincolnshire non-league clubs, with league points and Lincolnshire Cup progress both on the agenda, writes David Ward.
Boston United were left frustrated after surrendering a lead at home to Woking, while Grantham Town responded well to their weekend disappointment with a comfortable victory over Corby Town. There was also cup action for Boston Town, Stamford and Spalding United, with the latter booking a home tie against Lincoln City.
Boston United 1-1 Woking
Boston United were looking to build some momentum at home to Woking, but once again had to settle for a point after surrendering a lead. The Pilgrims made an excellent start and were ahead inside six minutes through a superb strike from Terrell Agyemang, with the early goal giving United confidence as they continued to push forward. Agyemang went close to adding a second, while Jake Rooney also threatened before the interval with a header which was kept out by the Woking goalkeeper.
However, the second half followed an increasingly familiar pattern, with Woking emerging with greater purpose and Boston finding themselves pushed back. It is something which has happened too often in recent games after positive first-half performances. Whether it is a subconscious change from United or simply opposition sides recognising an opportunity to apply more pressure after the interval is difficult to know, but it is becoming a recurring problem.
The equaliser eventually arrived in the 73rd minute and from there the contest became more open, with Boston arguably finishing the stronger of the two sides without finding a winner. United continue to play some attractive and entertaining football, but if they are to begin climbing the table they need to become more secure when ahead, absorb pressure better and cut out the mistakes which continue to cost them.
Grantham Town 2-0 Corby Town
Grantham Town responded to their disappointing weekend defeat with an impressive 2-0 victory over Corby Town. Their season has been frustratingly inconsistent so far, with good results often followed by setbacks, but this was a much more assured display as they started brightly and took control midway through the opening half.
Ryan Rushen opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Will Langford doubled the advantage just three minutes later, giving the Gingerbreads a deserved cushion going into half-time. Corby attempted to increase the pressure after the break, but Grantham defended well and rarely allowed their visitors a clear sight of goal.
It was a deserved victory and another valuable three points for Town, who will now hope the result can provide the platform for a more consistent run of form.
Boston Town 0-1 Cleethorpes Town
There was also Lincolnshire Cup action, with Boston Town suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Cleethorpes Town. It was an entertaining contest, but a single goal proved enough to send Cleethorpes through and bring Boston’s involvement in the competition to an end.
Stamford 1-3 Spalding United
Spalding United progressed in the Lincolnshire Cup with a 3-1 victory away at Stamford, despite making a number of changes to their usual side. The Tulips rested several players, including leading striker Bart Cybulski, who has recently agreed a new contract to remain with the club until the end of next season.
Spalding still started well and took the lead after 12 minutes, although Stamford responded almost immediately and were level three minutes later. The second half showed the strength available to Spalding as they pulled away to secure victory, with Fox, Sembie-Ferris and Roberts, the latter from the penalty spot, on target for the visitors. Fisken scored Stamford’s goal.
The reward for Spalding is a home tie against Championship opposition, with Lincoln City set to visit in the next round.
Comments Welcome!