Jackson Own-Goal Sets Tulips On Road To Defeat

An added-time goal by Gary King wasn't enough to prevent the Tulips losing 2-1 on the road at the league leaders...

An unfortunate early own-goal by skipper Adam Jackson provided the difference between the Tulips and unbeaten league leaders Basford United at Greenwich Avenue on Saturday.

After a week of upheaval and uncertainty after manager Chris Rawlinson’s playing budget had been slashed , the Tulips would have deserved a share of the Evo-Stik NPL South points after a hard fought and entertaining encounter.

Rawlinson had commented earlier that he would not have, due to the circumstances, wanted to field an inexperienced team at this level to get a real battering. As it happened he had the satisfaction of having a full regular squad at his disposal and they did not disappoint.

Hopefully, the coming days will see the squad remain intact, but only time will tell...

Jackson’s seventh minute gift to the home side – the defender sliced an attempted clearance past helpless ’keeper Michael Duggan - was a real blow, but the team dug in to deny the league leaders (who stand ten points clear of the field) and have yet to face defeat.

Once again new signing Ben Davison (pictured) was prominent for the Tulips, showing a real appetite for the game and for the second game in succession he won the Tulips’ man-of-the-match honours.

Weathering the early onslaught well, the Tulips settled to match their hosts in effort and possession and carve out a few scoring opportunities.

They were close to an equaliser on 16 minutes when Cenk Acar’s well delivered low cross whizzed inches wide of the far post and mid-way through the half Adam Jackson’s 25-yards effort almost caught home ‘keeper Saul Deeney off guard but he reacted well to clutch the ball just beneath the crossbar.

Jamie Jackson also went close with a low shot and minutes before the break was denied by Deeney after connecting with a typical Lee Beeson ’bender’ from the right side.

But for all their effort the Tulips conceded a second goal on 69 minutes with Basford substitute Matthew Thornhill threading a way through the defence to give Duggan no chance with a crisp finish.

Shortly after, only a fine fingertip save by Duggan, turning a stinging drive from Robert Duffy over the bar, kept the Tulips in the game.

At the other end of the pitch promising play by the Tulips failed to reap reward and the team had to wait until the second minute of added time to get on the scoresheet when Gary King was provided with a tap-in opportunity.

The Tulips had given their all and overall their contribution to an entertaining encounter deserved to have been rewarded with a share of the points.

Tulips: Michael Duggan, Jordan Lemon (Jack Fixter, 84 mins), Adam Jackson, Conor Marshall (Layton Maddison, 84 mins), Paul Walker, Ellis Humble, Lee Beeson, Ben Davison, Jamie Jackson, Gary King, Cenk Acar (Jonny Lockie, 77 mins). Sub (not used): Alex Smith

Tulips' Man-of-the-Match: Ben Davison

Att: 169

The Tulips are next at home in NPL Evo-Stik South action v Gresley FC this coming Saturday 18th November (KO: 3.00pm).

Admission prices at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field throughout 2017/18 are as follows:-
Adults: £9.00
Concessions/Students: £6.00
Youths (12-16): £2.00
Accompanied U12s: FREE!
Matchday Programmes: £2.50

We hope we can once again count on your invaluable support for this fixture as we seek to get as many local voices as possible behind Chris Rawlinson and the players - Come On You Mighty Tulips!!!