And a useful navigational experience for the first half of our journey to Horncastle a fortnight hence.

Both South and Spalding had enjoyed encouraging starts to the season, so this was a useful test for both teams to assess their prospects of a high finish in the final reckoning, come April.

The first half was very even – a nice mix of punch and counter-punch seeing us enter the break level-bevel at 2-2, the South goals both coming from a dynamic Johnson.

Reinforcements had however arrived for the home side and they came out of the blocks at breakneck speed after the change-around. A couple of splendid saves from Di Lorenzo and a disallowed goal following some good teamwork between the home umpires spared the South goal for a while. A Spalding player eventually broke through to smash them ahead, but parity was quickly restored as Spencer waltzed into the D and creamed a belter past a stunned home keeper.

Chasing the winner, we were sadly undone by a quickfire double-tap. First, a clinical smash and grab from the left after we’d cheaply surrendered possession under little pressure and the next a reverse stick, top corner jobbie that to be honest you just hope you don’t see too many of through the course of the season.

Disheartened and a long way from home, the majority of the team retired to one of the more salubrious changing room experiences that the East League has to offer. Spare a thought though for young Rosselli, who was carted off to Long Sutton to help the 3rds fulfil their fixture at the 11^th hour. At least he won that one.

After the match, Lino Di Lorenzo offered his own thoughts on the day… ‘Their 2nd goal BROKE my water bottle. That was completely needless and unacceptable given the scorer was standing only 18 inches in front of goal. That act of savagery has cost me £1.39.  On the upside, the (Spalding match) report does identify the vandal and so his card has been is marked for the return fixture.’