Play-Off Final Special

It's time for the play-off final, and deservedly so the game will be contested by 2nd v 3rd in the regular league table. It's the Tulips v the Pirates, Jimmy Dean v Rob Sinclair, and Spalding United vs Real Bedford for a spot in the National League North for the first time in both side's histories.

📸 Josh McCammon (left) & Shaheim Ward (right)

Spalding, who have home advantage due to finishing four points better off in the 42 game season, defeated Halesowen Town in the semi-final courtesy of Yusifu Ceesay's 75th minute strike from a Jack Roberts cross from down the right. Ahead of the final, I spoke with midfielder Josh McCammon, who has featured 33 times in the middle of the park for the Tulips incredible regular season campaign.

"Everyone has been on the same page from the beginning of the season. Our goal was clear, and every member of the squad has applied themselves to work towards success. It was tough having to start the season away from home, but we still managed to pick up some good results. We knew that when our pitch was finished that it would be a lovely playing surface, and that our fans would create an excellent atmosphere for us inside the ground. This kept us going through the early stages of the season, and has allowed us to be successful throughout.

"I’ve enjoyed my season at Spalding this year. There is incredible quality all over the pitch which always encourages you to elevate your own personal game. Through the first half of the season I was feeling good, playing well and contributing with goals and assists. It always feels great to help the team win whether that’s through goals, assists or otherwise. An injury put me on the sidelines for around 8 weeks, but I’m glad I’ve been able to come back and contribute again this season.

"Some personal favourites for me this season would be the 7-0 win away at Redditch in which I got a goal and assist, the 3-1 win against Harborough Town which was an excellent team performance, and I’d also include the 2-1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup in which I got the assist for Ceesay’s goal. Shortly after the injury occurred, but I was still happy to play my part in the win

"Halesowen were a very good team and played some nice football. They had the constant threat of their dangerous front line. We managed to contain them, and at the other end create chances of our own to score. Our attacking play this season has been relentless. We did not let up all game, and through a good passage of play we scored a great goal.

"Our training has been focused and detailed, and we want to take the good performance & winning momentum with us into the final. We are confident as always, but know we are facing a very good side in Real Bedford who finished just behind us in the league. Play-off Finals are an intense environment to be in, but the team will relish the opportunity. Our fans have been brilliant all year round and to sell out days before the final says it all. Bring the noise & get behind the lads! Up the Tulips"

Real Bedford, the away side, defeated Kettering Town at their home, The Ledger Stadium, to advance to the game at Sir Halley Stewart Field. The Pirates scored inside 30 seconds of the game, as Josh Setchell latched onto a rebound to divert into the net. An early second half goal from Setchell's cross to Conor Tee set Sinclair's side on their way, temporarily.

The Pirates missed a penalty just after the hour mark, and conceded to Ed Panter on 69 minutes, but soon added a third seven minutes later through defender Sam Cartwright. Ahead of the final, I spoke with defender Shaheim Ward, who was one of just three players, alongside Ben Stevens & Drew Richardson to have featured in all 42 regular games for the side.

"This season has been extremely unpredictable, the level has shown to be that anyone can beat anyone on any day given. It’s an amazing league with some really good players in it but I feel like we have done exceptional in our first season. I am enjoying my time at this great club, they have give me the platform to showcase in which I am grateful for, and I feel individually I am learning, enjoying and playing my best football.

"One of my best best performances was against Spalding away, I feel with the magnitude of the game I made a statement, played really well, and I’m looking to do the same on Monday It was an important win last Wednesday in the semi-final, and I am really delighted we got the goal early. We have prepared and trained really hard and feel the semi final performance was mature and I have no doubt we will have a better one in the final.

"The key to the final is to have a fast start and come out with the intensity and courage we did in the semi final , We have learned a lot this season with the unpredictable league but having played Spalding twice we will be prepared and set for the final. Monday is the biggest game of my career and for the club it is a fantastic opportunity to gain another promotion.

"We are ready to leave it all out there, going away from home in a final against a club who finished above us and we are familiar with so we know it will be a hard game but a very enjoyable one for the spectators. I am super happy about the previous promotions as you know there’s always confidence when you’re winning games but final comes down to who wants it more and who turns up when it really matters.

"My message to the fans, I hope you all have a safe journey travelling, bring all the support you can we will need it. I can promise you the squad will give everything and leave it all out there, the aim is to take the trophy home with a statement performance win"

The Stats Behind the Match

Stats taken from the regular 42 game season to compare the two sides

Goals Scored Stats

Goals Conceded Stats

The Other Stats