Bart blasts Spalding up to second after big comeback at Kettering, Stamford agonisingly close to first win, cup joy for Deeping, but Peterborough Sports beaten again

Centre-forward Bart Cybulski hit a first-half hat-trick as Spalding United shot up to second place in the Southern Premier Division Central with a come-from-behind 4-2 win at fellow high fliers Kettering Town.

‘The Poppies’ stormed into a 2-0 lead early in the game, but Cybulski converted crosses from Jack Roberts and Yusifu Ceesay to drag Spalding level and then bundled home his hat-trick goal after more good work from Roberts just before the break.

Bartosz Cybulski (centre) hit a first-half hat-trick for Spalding United at Kettering Town. Photo David Lowndes.

placeholder image — Bartosz Cybulski (centre) hit a first-half hat-trick for Spalding United at Kettering Town. Photo David Lowndes.

Roberts completed the scoring in the final stages to lift Spalding into second place with 14 points from 7 matches, a superb effort considering they’ve played all 7 games away from home. ‘The Tulips’ are unbeaten since the first Saturday of the season and trail leaders Harborough Town by 3 points.

Spalding will finally get to play at their Sir Halley Stewart Field base on Saturday when National League North side Alfreton Town visit for a second round qualifying round FA Cup tie (3pm). Spalding have had a 4G surface installed, but the delivery of key parts was delayed thus forcing the run of away games.

Stamford AFC were 9 minutes away from picking up their first win of the Premier Division Central season at home to Redditch. Kyle Rowley nodded home an early corner against his old club to give Stamford the lead, but sustained second-half pressure eventually led to an 81st minute equaliser and a 1-1 draw.

Stamford travel to lower level Shepshed Dynamo for their FA Cup tie on Saturday when Peterborough Sports entertain National League South leaders Hornchurch (3pm).

A difficult season for Sports continued tonight with a 3-1 Northants Senior Cup defeat at Wellingborough Town. The team from two divisions below Sports were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes and 3-0 up before Josiah Dyer pulled a goal back just before half-time.

Deeping Rangers started their defence of the Hinchingbrooke Cup with a 3-0 win at Potton. Ryan Cook, Byron Adiado and James Stainsby all scored in a one-sided second-half.