Reaction from Spalding United manager Elliot Sandy after his side’s victory over Corby Town
Manager Elliot Sandy praised the fantastic character of his Spalding United side as they overcame a 'horrible' incident to defeat Corby Town on Saturday.
The Tulips were 2-1 away winners in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division clash thanks to a double strike from Sam Bennett.
The Steelmen had got back on level terms shortly after the 70th minute incident which prompted the home club to issue an apology and banning order.
But the Tulips rallied with substitute Bennett's second goal of the game with nine minutes remaining securing a hard-fought win in front of 643 supporters.
Sandy said: "Sam has come on and scored a great goal to put us in front before a horrible incident where I really felt for Riley. We'll now manage that in-house as a club with whatever support he needs.
"Corby got their goal back but the character of the lads to then get a winner after everything that had happened was fantastic.
"I was absolutely delighted with the result because it's a great place to get a win."
The victory ensured a return to winning ways for the Tulips after a 5-0 home humbling in their last outing against Anstey Nomads.
Sandy added: "It was a real setback for us a fortnight ago but we had to re-set and work hard in training which we have done for the past two weeks.
"Everyone was really keen to play in this game because Corby is a great place to come with more than 600 fans.
"They were loud throughout and we knew that it was going to be a real cauldron against a side that work their socks off.
"We had to match that in a really tight game of very few chances.
"I felt we defended quite well but I was disappointed with our decision-making in the final third."
Spalding had been boosted by the return of striker Dan Sweeney following a successful loan spell at Alvechurch while new Lamine Sherif made his first start for the club.
Sam Warburton, Lewis Hilliard and Sweeney all went close with shots in the first half with Hilliard also hitting the upright from a free-kick as the opening period ended goalless.
Bennett then made an instant impact following his 64th minute introduction as a substitute when he smashed home his finish into the top corner shortly after his arrival to put Spalding in front.
However, Tristan Thompson-Matthews scrambled home an equaliser for the hosts in the 77th minute.
But parity lasted just four minutes as Bennett bagged the match-winning goal to ensure Spalding avenged their defeat against the Steelmen from earlier in the season.
The win keeps Spalding in second spot in the table, a point behind leaders Harborough Town who also have a match in hand on the Tulips.
