Williams off as Rovers are beaten by Spalding

UNBEATEN NPL Midlands Division high-flyers Spalding United beat Gresley Rovers 2-0 on a controversial afternoon at the Moat which ended with Michael Williams sent off for making his views known too forcibly to the officials.

Some supporters appear also to have gone too far, as chairman Gary Norton issued a statement yesterday reminding them that abusive language or abuse towards players or ofificials will not be tolerated by the club.

Although Rovers still had Alby Lansdowne out through injury and Kane Lee and Jordi Gough unavailable, there was a welcome return from injury for Alex Morris.

James Spruce shot over for Gresley from a good position within the first two minutes.

Spalding went close after 19 minutes when James Clifton’s cross from the right was inches away from the foot of Dylan Edge sliding in at the far post.

A fumble from Tulips keeper Michael Duggan as he tried to claim a high ball into the area then allowed Kieran Wells to set up Danny Munday but he shot wide.

Spruce had another chance when Wells cleverly back-heeled the ball to him on the left but his shot was saved by Duggan.

Five minutes before half-time, Rovers had the ball in the net but referee Wayne Gray ruled that defender Nathan Stansfield had been fouled.

And the Moatmen wanted a penalty just before the break when they felt Lewis Belgrave’s shot had been blocked by a Spalding hand.

When Spalding took the lead after 50 minutes, Gresley were convinced a visiting player had put the ball out but a corner was given, duly headed in by Clifton from Lewis Hilliard’s delivery.

In what was by now a fractious atmosphere, Spalding doubled their lead with three minutes remaining.

A free kick from the right found Clifton again, who made no mistake.

Gresley came close to getting one back when Chris Camwell hit a fierce shot from just outside the area which Duggan did well to parry.

Williams received his second yellow card near the end after remonstrating with a linesman.