Spalding United beat Stourbridge in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Spalding stopped a run of three successive away defeats with a one-goal success at Stourbridge on Saturday.

James Clifton scored for the second consecutive game to secure victory for the Tulips in their Southern League Premier Division Central clash.

The win keeps Spalding in ninth place, seven points adrift of the play-off spots, after a hard-fought away success.

Assistant manager Chris Plummer said: "The conditions were difficult and Stourbridge are a good side who are well drilled.

"The first half wasn't really where we wanted to be but the second half was a bigger improvement and we've nicked the winner from one of those games that could have gone either way so we're delighted with the three points."

The Tulips had made two changes to their starting line-up following the home win last weekend over Redditch United.

Sam Cartwright and Maniche Sani both came in for Lamine Sherif and Darnell Johnson while Joe Nyahwema also returned to the squad which was boosted by new signing Jack Roberts.

Roberts has arrived from league rivals Bishop's Stortford and scored a hat-trick against the Tulips for the Blues earlier this season.

The 20-year-old came through the youth set-up at Glasgow Rangers and his arrival as a second half substitute helped the Tulips to victory.

Plummer added: "Jack made an impression when he came on.

"We locked the game off as it went on, nicked a well-worked goal and we were really pleased with the second half.

"You can't be at your best every week and play magic football but you need to be organised and robust to stay in the game before getting that winning goal.

"You have to grind these results out, especially away from home, because our form in those games hasn't been quite there.

"The performances away from home have been ok but we haven't got the result that maybe sometimes we deserved."

An even opening first half saw clear-cut chances at a premium with Spalding goalkeeper Aaron Chapman turning one effort to safety.

Chapman was forced to turn another effort off his line after the break before Spalding struck the all-important goal in the 66th minute.

Clifton combined well with Bart Cybulski before slotting his finish past Lewys Benjamin in the Stourbridge goal.

The Glassboys looked for a response but Spalding stood strong to take a vital three points ahead of Saturday's huge match against Harborough Town.

Tulips: Chapman, Clifton, Fox, Moore, Cartwright, Lawlor (Nyahwema), Sembie_Ferris (Roberts), Freeman (Sherif), Cybulski, Sani (Walker), Law. Sub not used: Johnson.

Attendance: 747.