A LATE drop goal knocked NLD Shield holders Spalding out at the first hurdle.

The match was often short in quality but never in tension, with the lead changing hands at regular intervals.

However, Sleaford deserved to move into the next round, never believing that their cause last Saturday was lost.

Town captain Andrew Branton said Sleaford had upped their game and his own side were below par so the result was not surprising.

He added: "We paid the price after missing three very easy try-scoring opportunities and turning down the chance of a very kickable penalty.

"We now have to concentrate on the league, EDF Energy Senior Vase and Lincs Cup."

Vital changes were made to Town's line-up but they demonstrated their intent with a fine early try.

A line-out inside their own half was won, the ball moved along the line to centre Jamie Anthony who burst through the home team's defence.

His pass to the speedy Andy Lal created the opportunity and the winger touched down wide of the posts. The try was unconverted.

Spalding were buoyed by this opening score, but Sleaford made the most of an interception in their own half for their centre to race to the touch down under the posts. The conversion was confidently made.

Play became mistake-ridden and Sleaford increased their lead when a penalty opportunity was converted and at this stage, Town faced an unlikely 10-5 deficit.

But they responded immediately and it was a second try by the young winger which regained the lead.

Lal gathered a kick by the home scrum-half, and sped through a disorganised home defence to score under the posts. Jim Williams converted and Town had regained their advantage.

With half time approaching the lead was increased, Harry Brown winning the ball from a line-out close to the Sleaford line and forcing his way to the touchdown.

Williams converted and his side had a 17-10 advantage to take into the second half.

Within minutes of the restart, that lead had been squandered.

A converted try not only put the home side on equal terms but also boosted their confidence, particularly up front where the Spalding forwards were finding it increasingly difficult to provide quality ball for the three-quarters.

With 20 minutes gone, a pushover try was deserved reward for the home pack.

Spalding returned to the attack, their own forwards making the most of an increasingly rare opportunity and, from a quickly-taken penalty, substitute Bruno Figueiredo forced his way over the line and Williams' conversion gave his side a two-point advantage with minutes remaining.

Sleaford missed with one drop goal attempt but a similar opportunity followed and this time the fly-half made no mistake.

Spalding: Branton (c), Shakespeare, Moore, Haighton, Waudby, Duerden, Cope, H Brown, Charlton, Williams, Lal, Anthony, Williamson, Chappell, Williamson, G Brown, Lampp, Figueredo, Pattison.