Despite recovering well from an early setback and going into half-time on level terms, the hosts were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from Bradley Sembie-Ferris before a stoppage-time penalty sealed victory for the visitors.

Spalding started brightly and threatened early, with Maniche Sani forcing a save from the James Goff after being picked out by Sembie-Ferris.

The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes when a lofted pass forward broke kindly for Barton, who finished beyond the Goff to make it 1-0.

The Daniels responded positively and were rewarded just minutes later. A well-delivered free kick into the danger area found Alfie Fisken at the back post, and he rose highest to head home the equaliser and bring Stamford level and to score his first goal for the Daniels

With confidence growing, Stamford competed well against a strong Spalding side. The visitors enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, while Stamford remained organised at the back and looked capable of finding a second goal themselves.

Spalding thought they had regained the lead before the break when Sembie-Ferris lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper, but the effort was correctly ruled out for offside. As a result, the sides went into the interval locked at 1-1 after an evenly contested first half.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with both teams battling for control. Stamford defended resolutely as Spalding sought a breakthrough, while the Daniels looked to threaten when opportunities arose.

However, the game's decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute. Sembie-Ferris combined well with Betteka before producing an outstanding curled finish into the top corner to put the visitors back in front. Stamford pushed forward in search of another equaliser and remained in the contest deep into stoppage time. Unfortunately for the hosts, any hopes of a late comeback were ended in the final moments when Roberts was brought down inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Roberts converted confidently from 12 yards, firing into the top corner to make it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt.

While the scoreline was harsh on a Stamford side that competed strongly throughout much of the contest, the Daniels bowed out of the Lincolnshire Senior Cup after a spirited derby performance against an in-form Spalding United team.