Leek Town take full advantage of Spalding United's errors

Mistakes proved costly as Spalding United were beaten by the league leaders.

Two first-half goals took Leek Town five points clear of Stamford in the BetVictor Northern Premier League South East Division.

The Tulips slipped back to 10th place despite a positive start following successive 1-0 wins.

Caretaker manager Lewis Thorogood said: "In the first 15 minutes, we were very much in the game.

"We showed good energy by pinning them back and stopping them playing in a resumption of how we had performed previously.

"It was a really good start - but Leek are top of the table for a reason.

"They are able to capitalise on any vulnerability or mistakes. They are like a machine when they pounce and make you suffer.

"The first goal came from a corner, even though we cleared the first ball. It came back into the six-yard box close to two defenders and we just needed one of them to stick a boot through it.

"We got back into it and settled down until a fairly tame effort was spilled by Alex Smith in front of the league's top scorer Tim Grice who is always in the right place.

"All of a sudden, we started to panic a little bit.

"However, we steadied the ship in the second half by neutralising them.

"We also had a couple of chances towards the end. But we didn't work the keeper enough.

"If we want to be recognised as a top team in this division, we've got to learn from this. Leek keep going and they don't change the way they play.

"We've seen other teams play better football here but Leek are grinding out results.

"Mistakes cost us on the day but I still think we can push for the top six by getting as many points as possible."

Leek looked more lively as an attacking force but the Tulips were always fully involved with skipper Lewis Brownhill's never-say-die approach and some excellent backing.

Kegan Everington, busy as ever in the midfield, set up an early opportunity with an excellent through-ball to find Jack Smith who fired wide from 12 yards. At the other end Grice missed the target by inches.

The deadlock was broken by Oliver Harrison and shortly afterwards only an excellent block by Smith prevented Lewis Short from doubling the lead. Grice’s effort on 35 minutes left the Tulips with a mountain to climb.

The second half was intense with the Tulips battling hard in all areas to thwart their lively opponents with Lincoln City academy loanee Gianluca Bucci named man of the match.

In the closing stages Josh Spencer was just inches away from making contact with Everington’s free-kick near the far post.