Bourne Town beat Spalding United in a pre-season friendly at the Abbey Lawn
Former Spalding striker Lewis Darlington netted the winning goal against his old club as Bourne Town defeated the Tulips in Saturday's friendly at the Abbey Lawn.
Darlington - who departed the Tulips for Grantham Town early last season - scored midway through the second half of the pre-season clash.
It capped an industrious and hard-working performance from the Wakes against a subdued Spalding side who were playing their first match in preparation for the forthcoming Southern League campaign.
The Tulips handed first outings to new signings Ben Hart, Connor Johnson, Josh McCammon and Yusifu Ceesay plus a handful of trialists in their 20-man squad.
Bourne had played the previous weekend against Dorking Wanderers and the difference of having a game under their belt showed in the opening stages.
Robbie Ellis had an early opening from a corner which he headed into the grateful hands of Spalding goalkeeper Aaron Chapman.
Ellis then had the best chance of the opening period shortly after when he was picked out by a pinpoint cross from Zac Allen but could only steer his header wide of the Spalding goal.
The Wakes then showed their determination to keep Spalding at bay at the other end as Jack Wilson and new signing Josh Burrows both made goalline clearances in quick succession.
Bourne then broke rapidly with Ellis shooting over when well-placed following a Tom Siddons cross.
Home goalkeeper Will Lakin was called into his first serious piece of action late in the first half when he raced out to the edge of his area to deny Maniche Sani.
Brad Marshall also hooked an effort wide following a Bourne set piece as the opening half finished goalless despite the Wakes creating the better chances.
They finally found the breakthrough in the second period when Will Bird's flick on was turned home at close range by Darlington who had also gone close shortly after the restart.
Lakin turned away a teasing shot from Jack Roberts before palming another effort from the Spalding attacker away from his goal as Spalding were unable to find a reply.
Jimmy Dean's side continue their pre-season preparations on Tuesday night with a trip to Northern Premier League East Division side Lincoln United while Bourne host Pinchbeck United.