Bart Cybulski’s second hat-trick of the season has lifted Spalding United to the top of the National League North scoring charts and helped the Tulips climb to sixth place.
Spalding came from behind to beat Spennymoor Town 3-1, completing a strong weekend after a 2-0 victory over Southport at the Sir Halley Stewart Field on Saturday.
Cybulski turns the game around
Spennymoor took the lead after 30 minutes when Richie Bennett capitalised on a loss of possession by Spalding. The visitors thought they had levelled immediately after the interval through Shane Byrne, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Spalding manager Jimmy Dean changed his side by introducing Zaid Betteka and Alfie Bendle. The move soon paid off. After 63 minutes, Byrne released Cybulski, who finished to bring the Tulips level.
Spennymoor then pushed for a second goal, but Spalding punished the hosts late on. Cybulski headed in his second goal after 86 minutes before completing his hat-trick two minutes later.
The result means Cybulski has moved to the top of the National League North scoring stakes, with the striker now producing a second three-goal performance of the campaign.
Roberts supplies the goals against Southport
Saturday’s 2-0 win over Southport also featured a major contribution from last season’s leading scorer, Jack Roberts. He provided the assists for both Spalding goals.
Roberts set up Cybulski to open the scoring after 26 minutes. After 75 minutes, his shot was saved, allowing Doncaster Rovers loanee Sam Straughan-Brown to head in his first goal for the Tulips.
Cybulski had earlier found the net again after 35 minutes, but the goal was disallowed after the referee judged that the goalkeeper had been fouled.
Spalding recorded a clean sheet against Southport in front of an attendance of 725. The crowd for the midweek win at Spennymoor was 827.
Coach praises defensive improvement
Spalding coach Chris Plummer said the team had produced the result it wanted and was pleased to see the defensive work improving after last season.
“It was really good performance and we got the result we wanted and kept a clean sheet, which is something we wanted to improve on from last year.”
Plummer said the side had been “okay” in the first half against Spennymoor but improved after the break. He singled out Cybulski’s performance and also praised 19-year-old Straughan-Brown.
“Bart was outstanding and dominated their centre halves. He was alive in the box.”
“Straughan-Brown fizzes about all over the pitch and has got a really good turn of pace; intelligent as well for the young man he is, at 19.”
Plummer added that the team’s defensive solidity was as encouraging as the goals. He credited the defenders and goalkeeper, as well as the organisation of the whole side when it did not have possession.
Tulips handed home FA Cup tie
Spalding United have been drawn at home to Hanley Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. The tie is scheduled for Saturday, September 19.
Hanley Town, from the Northern Premier League Division One West, have played four league matches so far this season and lost once, with their progress in the cup affecting their league schedule. They have beaten Droitwich Spa after a replay and Abbey Hulton United in the FA Cup, and have also recorded an FA Trophy win against Coleshill.
The match will be Spalding’s first FA Cup tie of the season. The Tulips received a bye into the second qualifying round because of their higher status.