Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean praises striker Bart Cybulski

Jimmy Dean hailed striker Bart Cybulski as the best number nine in the league after the Tulips targetman netted his 12th goal of the season for Spalding United on Saturday.

Cybulski scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win for Spalding over Halesowen Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central clash.

Despite losing possession in the build-up to the goal, the former King's Lynn striker won back the ball before drilling home a fine finish to set Spalding on their way to victory.

Dean said: "Bart's outstanding.

"For me, he's the best number nine in the league bar none.

"I'd say that and have that debate with anyone because he's a fantastic player.

"He's got a fantastic attitude and, although he's got a great pedigree, he hasn't dropped down and taken it easy.

"He's putting everything in and making things happen when they shouldn't because of his endeavour and work-rate.

"You can see his quality and, when you watch him in training, you can see that he's got a lot about him and he showed great determination to win the ball back for the first time before finding a lovely finish."

Dean was also full of praise for the performance of goalkeeper Aaron Chapman at the other end of the pitch.

Chapman produced a vital save in the opening minutes of the match before securing his clean sheet with a brilliant stop in injury-time from a goalbound free-kick.

Dean enthused: "Chappy should have done better with the first goal last week but we should be talking about his performance on Saturday when he was needed.

"His saves in the first minute and last minute were top drawer. They were saves out of the Football League.

"He is sharpening up and I still think that he got another 30 or 40 percent to give.

"I worked with him at Scunthorpe and, when he got himself right there, he was top drawer."

Dean was also delighted to have midfielder Kieron Freeman back in the Spalding starting line-up after missing the last two games through injury.

He commented: "Kieron was different class and we've probably missed him as much as anyone.

"We won four games with him, then didn't win two without him before beating a great Halesowen side when he was back.

"He knits everything together superbly well. His decisions with the ball are superb and, when we need that cool head with a bit of composure and control, he gives it to us.

"He has got such class in and around the box and he's an outstanding footballer."

"We could have left him on but it's really important that we keep him fit.

"We took a risk getting a few players out there but Anthony Coombe (strength and conditioning coach) and Lee Taylor (physio) have been outstanding in getting these boys through it and have made a massive difference."

Spalding gave a debut as a second half substitute on Saturday to new recruit Jason Law.

The attacking midfielder has joined on a month's loan from National League North side Scunthorpe United.

Boss Dean has signed the former Mansfield Town player during his time as Scunthorpe manager.

He explained: "Jason is a very clever and cute footballer.

"He's got undoubted quality. He's sharp and beats people over a couple of yards.

"He has a lot of quality in and around the box and he's a great character.

"He took a bit of persuading to come but I'm glad that he did."

Defender Connor Brown has had a scan on his knee problem and, although he hasn't sustained ligament damage, faces a further four to six weeks on the sidelines.