Spalding United were denied a remarkable point by a last-gasp Chester winner after producing a performance that appeared set to frustrate the National League North leaders.
With 90 minutes played and the match deep into stoppage time, the score remained 0-0. The result would have made Spalding the first team to prevent Chester from winning, but Dan Ward struck in the third minute of added time to give the hosts a fourth consecutive victory.
A disciplined Tulips display
Chester made the stronger start, but Spalding goalkeeper Peter Crook was in excellent form as the Tulips defended resolutely. Spalding grew into the contest shortly before half-time, with Bart Cybulski and Jack Roberts both going close.
Both teams made late changes in search of an attacking spark. Spalding eventually gained the upper hand and pushed forward for a winner, only for Chester to deliver the decisive blow at the other end.
Manager Jimmy Dean said he was proud of the players’ effort despite the result, while believing the visitors had done enough to earn a draw.
“I’m gutted, I’m proud of what the players gave us. Lots of endeavour and commitment.
“After what we put in we deserved a draw. Defensively, across all three units, defensive, midfield and attack, we were brilliant.
Dean felt Spalding had largely contained Chester’s attacking threat and described the late goal as especially painful after the Tulips had looked in control for long periods.
“Maybe we should have been a bit braver with the ball but we fought for it from minute one.
“It felt like a sucker punch because I thought we had control.
“For big parts we completely nullified their threat. We were fighting for the badge and fighting for the club.”
Full-time challenge and finishing lessons
The defeat was another narrow setback for a Spalding side adjusting to the demands of facing full-time opponents. Dean said the schedule of Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday fixtures made that challenge particularly demanding, but insisted his team had competed well throughout.
“Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday is difficult, especially against full-time sides.
“We’ve competed admirably in every game though and been on the wrong side of a couple of 1-0s and drew against Macclesfield.
He added that the Tulips’ defensive work had been a strength, while urging them to be more clinical when chances arrive.
“We’re not far away from being a good side. Defensively we look good, we look composed but when those chances fall we’ve got to be more clinical.
“We’re loving the challenge and every game is exciting.
“We’re here and we’re showing we should be here.”
Spalding’s starting line-up was Crook, Olopade, Kelly, Moore, Johnson, Roberts, Pugh, Cybulski, Ceesay, Byrne and Straughan-Brown. Roberts was replaced by Fowkes, while Cybulski made way for Sani. Wilks, Bendle, Betteka, Fox and Xavier-Jones were named among the substitutes.
The attendance was 2,267.
New signing joins the squad
Winger Zaid Betteka joined Spalding after leaving Birmingham City and was available for the Saturday trip to Chester. The 19-year-old had progressed from Birmingham’s academy to the first team and made his senior debut two years earlier as a substitute in the club’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Lincoln City.