Tulips chief wants the town to turn out in force for Vase date

by Mark Plummer mark.plummer@jpress.co. uk @ PTMarkPlummer Spalding boss Pat Ray ment has issued a passionate plea to the town’s population on the eve of the club’s biggest match for 15 years. That is the way Ray ment has billed the Tulips’ mouth- watering home clash against Guernsey in the last 16 of the FA Vase on Saturday.

And he wants to see the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field swelled by a bumper attendance come kick- off time against the Channel Islanders.

Spalding usually attract around 100 fans to home matches but Ray ment wants to see five times that number of spectators to cheer the club a step closer to Wembley.

Rayment said: “Make no mistake about it, this is the biggest game Spalding United have had since they reached the quarter- finals of the Vase back in 1998.

“It’s a huge day and I have no doubt we have the quality to win this tie and go all the way to Wembley.

“I want the players to walk out just before 3pm on Saturday to see the place packed. I’d love there to be 500 fans in.

“I’m sure supporters from yesteryear won’t be disappointed if they return. They will see a team full of players, who are proven at higher levels and who like to play good football.

“The one thing we have to do is cut out the bad starts we’ve made in recent games. It is about seizing the moment and not leaving any thing in the dressing room.”

That Tulips dressing room will contain plenty of newfaces after Rayment launched a pre- Vase signing spree.

He has drafted in talented left- sided player Jamie Thurlbourne from King’s Lynn and unattached former Blackstones andSt Neots goalkeeper Michael Duggan.

Thurlbourne will step into a void at left- back created by the exit of Josh Freeman who has decided to take a break from the game while Duggan will replace Lee Drury as number one.

Drury’s work commitments have forced him to depart although he will be between the sticks against Guernsey.

Rayment said: “Thurl- bourne and Duggan will be fantastic additions to the squad.

“In Jamie we’re getting a classy left- back and a winger capable of scoring 20 goals in a season all in one package.

“And while we are gutted to lose Lee, who has done very well this season, we are fortunate enough to have picked up an excellent replacement.”

Rayment is hopeful of completing a third capture - Stamford central defender Michael Jacklin - today.

A frantic spell of transfer activity started late last week when Spalding completed a cash transfer to sign winger Lee Beeson from Worksop.

Bees on made his debut in a United Counties League Premier Division win at Newport Pagnell last weekend when fellow recent signing Gary King hit a hat- trick. The strike ace has now hit five goals in just two appearances for the club.

Those two men were ineligible when Spalding warmed up for their big Vase date by being pipped in another crunch cup clash.

They were beaten 3- 2 on penalties by local rivals Holbea china Lincs Senior Trophy semi- final.

Holders Holbeach are now just 90 minutes away from defending their county crown.