2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (James Bedford)
Jimmy Dean wants his Spalding United side to take belief from their FA Cup exploits into a double bill of crucial league games. The Tulips face a pair of sides who are around them in the Southern League Premier Division Central standings in their next two games. They host third-from-bottom Biggleswade Town at the Sir Halley Stewart ground on Saturday with just one point separating the two teams in the table.
Spalding are back at home again on Tuesday night when they entertain a Lowestoft Town side who are just four points clear of the relegation zone. They go into the vital games having twice held higher level National League North side Alfreton Town in their FA Cup clashes before losing Tuesday's replay on penalties. Dean said: "We have to take belief from those two games.
"It was always going to be a tough tie against Alfreton but the boys can hold their heads up very high. "We proved on Tuesday night that Saturday's performance wasn't a fluke and the players showed their worth. "We have to now use it and try to turn it into a positive because it is a big game for us on Saturday.
"It's a game we can't afford to lose and a win alleviates a lot of the doom and gloom because we're five points from safety in the league and I can't say any more other than it hurts me to look at the league position." Spalding had played out a goalless draw with Alfreton in Saturday's first meeting at the Sir Halley Stewart ground. A late goal in extra-time from Sam Bennett had looked to have booked Spalding's passage into the third qualifying round.
However, Billy Whitehouse rifled home a stunning equaliser before the Reds triumphed 4-3 on penalties. Dean added: "I'm hoping that it hasn't taken too much out of us both mentally and physically. "We battled and scrapped and also found occasions in the games to put our foot on the ball and play against a side that puts pressure on you.
"If we can do that against them then we've got to have a bit of belief that we can do it at our own level. "We have to make sure this stands up in good stead for the league now. There is no point competing against a side like Alfreton for so long and then not picking up points in the league.
"We can't be too down about losing the cup game and we have to use it as a positive to try and get some points on the board." Spalding will have a new signing in their ranks for Saturday's match against securing the services of defender Connor Brown. The 32-year-old joins the Tulips from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston Town.
Brown has previously played for Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic, York City, Barrow and Buxton. Dean commented: "When the opportunity came to secure Connor's services, it was an easy decision. "He has experience of playing football at a higher level and his attitude to football means it's an exciting addition for us.
" Recent recruit Connor Tomlinson will also return to the squad after being cup tied for the Alfreton games. The club are offering free entry for Under 16s for Saturday's home match if they show the digital or paper ticket at the turnstile when accompanied by a full paying adult..
