Spalding ready for league curtain-raiser at home to Sutton Coldfield

Spalding United finally get their Pitching In Northern Premier League South East Division under way at home to Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday.

After a six-month break due to COVID-19, the Tulips face the Royals under new ownership and with two promising new loan signings on board.

Grimsby Town pair Jock Curran and Cameron Painter have been drafted by Spalding manager Lewis Thorogood to bolster the midfield after both turned out in a pre-season friendly at Brigg Town last Saturday.

Thorogood said: "They are two professionals who are highly thought of at Grismby Town and they'll give us a really different dynamic in midfield, if we need it.

"Not only did they show their ability last Saturday, but also their potential and we have an option to extend the loans which is great."

Club captain Ben Greenwood has overcome a neck injury and is fit for Saturday, while versatile summer signing Jamie Goddard is available again after missing the trip to Brigg.

The Tulips will be looking to impress new owner Andrew Killingworth, the man behind Peterborough-based plus size retail brand Yours Clothing, who was at Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for the FA Cup extra preliminary round defeat to Barton Town on September 1.

Thorogood said: "It's been a long time since the FA Cup tie and we've obviously wanted to play competively as soon as possible after that.

"Preparations have been good and we've worked hard to bring some fresh faces in.

"I feel it'll be a very different side, with a very different structure, to one that faced Barton and we're in a really good place, ready to get the season going on Saturday.

"We've worked hard to put everything together and now it's down to the players to pay back the faith we've put in them."