Spalding United began their first-ever National League North campaign with a landmark 2-0 victory away at Radcliffe, as two goals from Bart Cybulski secured three points for the newly promoted Tulips.
The result, reported on August 12, 2026, came against a Radcliffe side that had finished comfortably in mid-table in the division the previous season. It was an impressive opening-night performance from Spalding after an injury-hit pre-season.
A quiet first half before Spalding take control
The opening 45 minutes were closely contested, with few clear chances as the teams largely cancelled each other out. Radcliffe threatened through a Max McCarthy header that went over, while Yusifu Ceesay was among Spalding’s liveliest attackers.
The Tulips increased the pressure after the interval. Jack Roberts forced the first shot on target before Spalding took the lead following a determined move from Ceesay on the left. After beating his man, Ceesay sent a low ball across goal, which Cybulski turned towards the net. A Radcliffe defender could only help the effort over the line.
Cybulski then returned the favour by putting Ceesay through, but the forward could not beat the goalkeeper. Spalding continued to create opportunities, with Johnson hitting the bar and a Roberts free-kick taking a deflection just wide of the far post.
Roberts went close again when his header from around eight yards forced Radcliffe goalkeeper Tom Donaghy into a flying save.
Cybulski seals historic opening win
Radcliffe enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Spalding defence. In added time, debutant Sam Straughton-Brown collected the ball and sent Cybulski through on goal. The striker made no mistake, scoring his second goal to complete a 2-0 win and give Spalding their first three points at step-two level.
Manager Jimmy Dean praised the performance against an experienced opponent. He said the team had initially struggled to play as intended but improved after finding more control and moving the ball forward more quickly in the second half.
Dean also believed Spalding could have scored more, saying the team had produced a strong second-half display and looked formidable defensively.
The match attracted an attendance of 1,200. Spalding’s starting line-up was Crook, Olopade, Kelly, Moore, Johnson, Bendle, Roberts, Cybulski, Ceesay, Jarvis and Byrne. Pugh, Xavier-Jones, Grant and Straughan-Brown came on, while Fox, Sembie-Ferris and Wilks were unused substitutes.
First home tests await the Tulips
Spalding’s first home matches of the season are next on the agenda. Oxford City are due at the Sir Halley on the Saturday after the Radcliffe game, followed by former Football League club Macclesfield on the following Tuesday night.
Dean described Macclesfield as a full-time team with an experienced manager and warned that the fixture would be a difficult challenge. The Tulips’ opening victory, however, gives the promoted side an ideal start to life in the National League North.