Three new men on show as Spalding labour to a point at Wisbech

Wisbech Town 0, Spalding United 0

Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division

The Tulips fielded three new signings as they laboured towards a point at the struggling Fenmen this afternoon.

On the eve of the match, midfielder Ben Starkie joined from Shepshed Dynamo, and young defender Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielder Ethan Bojang linked up on loan from Peterborough United Under-23s.

Starkie impressed and was probably Spalding's best attacking threat on the day, while the tall and imposing Fernandez looked comfortable in defence and has the ability to play out from the back.

However, the tenacious Fenmen gave the visitors little time on the ball and too often they resorted to route one in a bid to break the home rearguard.

With each team having several players who had previously played for the opposition (Spalding – Jordan Macleod, Dan Bucciero and Liam Adams, Wisbech – Liam Marshall, Sam Murphy, Ben Richards and Avi Vieira), the game was fiercely fought, if lacking in real quality.

There was not a single chance of note for either side in a tight first half, but Wisbech could have taken the lead three minutes after the break when a tempting free kick into the box saw Murphy rise high but head wide when he should have done better.

A minute later and Starkie found himself one-on-one with Pearson, only for the Wisbech keeper to smother the ball at his feet.

The next chance fell to Spalding's Murphy again when Draper's pass set him away after 68 minutes, but long serving Tulips keeper Michael Duggan pulled off a great save to deny him. Four minutes later and a corner was headed out to Jon Fairweather, who volleyed inches wide for the home team.

Ten minutes from end and the Tulips had the best chance of the match, Starkie's superb ball from the left putting away Macleod, but his control let him down in front of goal and Pearson pounced on the loose ball.

Spalding United: Duggan, Cartwright, Ward, R Yala (Bucciero 59), Stainfield, Emmanuel, Ethan, Broccoli, G Yala (Adams 55 (Olivant 69), Macleod, Stakie. Subs (not used): Price, Hugo.

Before the game a Remembrance event took place on the pitch, complete with a minute's silence, which was observed impeccably by all.