Spalding United moved to within 90 minutes of a possible FA Cup meeting with a Football League side after a convincing 4-0 victory over Bury Town in their third qualifying round replay.

The Tulips produced a far more decisive performance at the second attempt after the teams drew 1-1 at Bury’s Ram Meadow on Saturday. Tuesday’s win sent Spalding through to the fourth qualifying round, where another Southern League Premier Division Central side, Alvechurch, will travel to the Sir Halley Field on October 17.

There is also a significant financial incentive attached to the next match. Spalding have already secured £9,000 from their second- and third-qualifying-round successes, while victory over Alvechurch would bring another £9,375 in prize money.

Cybulski gives Spalding early control

Bart Cybulski marked his return to the starting line-up by opening the scoring in the third minute. His early goal gave the home side the start it had been unable to produce in the original meeting.

Dan Jarvis doubled the lead after 20 minutes, before Dan Barton made it 3-0 before half-time. The result was effectively settled when Ben Fowkes followed up a rebound from Jarvis’ shot to score Spalding’s fourth goal.

The emphatic replay performance contrasted with the low-key first game at Ram Meadow. Spalding fell behind after seven minutes when slack defending gave Jamie McGrath the opportunity to put the hosts ahead.

The Tulips recovered to equalise on the stroke of half-time. A free-kick was delivered into the penalty area, where a Bury defender tripped over the ball. Dion Sembie-Ferris reacted to the loose ball and rifled it into the net.

Both teams had half chances to win that match, but neither could find a second goal. The 1-1 draw meant a replay was required, and Spalding took full advantage when the teams met again on Tuesday.

Dean pleased with the response

Tulips manager Jimmy Dean said the draw had been a fair result, although he was highly critical of Spalding’s first-half display. He said the preparation for the game had been superb and that neither the coaching staff nor the players were happy with the way the team started.

“We were dreadful in the first half; it was our worst half of the season,”

Dean said. He also used an image of a horse unable to get moving to describe the performance, adding that Spalding were fortunate to reach half-time level.

“We looked like a horse that was stuck in the stables. We just couldn’t get going.”

According to Dean, the match changed after the interval. He felt Bury appeared tired after a demanding run of games, while Spalding’s stronger finish and the impact of the substitutes helped the Tulips take control.

“In the second half the game changed. Bury looked little bit leggy after a hard run of games. We came on strong and the subs impacted well.”

Dean said Spalding could have taken all three points in the first meeting, but maintained that the final score reflected the balance of play.

“We could have nicked it but on the balance of play a draw was definitely fair but both teams will be very disappointed with how the goals were conceded.”

Squads and attendances

Spalding’s team for the away match at Bury was Crook, Rose, Kelly, Johnson, Bendle, Sani, Barton, Fox, Fowkes, Byrne and Sembie-Ferris. Straughan-Brown replaced Bendle, Jarvis came on for Sani, Cybulski replaced Barton and Betteka took over from Fowkes. Wilks and Grant were unused substitutes.

The replay was watched by 1,205 people. The original fixture at Spalding drew 731 spectators.

For the replay at home, Spalding lined up with Crook, Kelly, Johnson, Cybulski, Barton, Jarvis, Fox, Fowkes, Byrne, Straughan-Brown and Sembie-Ferris. Sani, Betteka, Grant, Bendle and Rose were used as substitutes, while Wilks was listed as the unused substitute.

Marine trip comes before the next cup tie

Before the October 17 FA Cup fixture, Spalding return to National League North action on Saturday. The Tulips will travel to the Lancashire coast to face Marine.

The Alvechurch match will then provide Spalding with an opportunity to move one step closer to the potential Football League opposition mentioned after the Bury replay, while also adding to the club’s FA Cup earnings.