Spalding Utd v Boston Utd

Lincolnshire Senior Shield (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

ALAN Biley has finally made his first signings as the Tulips' first competitive fixture of the season looms.

But the manager has felt forced into making them for Tuesday's tie and fans have been warned to expect a different line-up come the Unibond League Division One South opener on August 16.

Tulips press officer Ray Tucker said yesterday: "Alan is still adamant that whatever team he puts out in pre-season probably won't be the one that will face Glapwell."

In contrast, Boston United, who are one division above the Tulips in the UniBond League, will use the fixture to demonstrate their build-up.

Pilgrims manager Tommy Taylor said: "We're looking to get players match fit and organised ready for the league season and it's important for the fans to see how we're progressing in pre-season.

"We're looking to win the game and will be setting out to do that."

Just seven days before their season opener the Tulips had 11 players at training on Tuesday.

Putting pen to paper over the last few days are midfielders Andy Stanhope, Mark Angel and Stuart Goosey, defenders Dan Holyoak and David Hone, Davy Shepherd, and 19-year-old strikers Ryan Francis, formerly with Peterborough Northern Star, and Ricky Miller, who worked previously with Biley at Rothwell.

Also signed are keepers James Doughty – who had 45 minutes for Holbeach United last Saturday – and Richard Roberts, of Peterborough Northern Star last season.

Full-back Adam Buckley has not signed yet but has committed to do so and Biley is still talking to Scott Raworth.

The boss needs to improve his record of just one win in 16 matches since his return to the club in February.

But he insists that preparation for a better league campaign is far more important than progress in the Lincolnshire Senior Shield.

The Tulips were beaten finalists last April, going down rather harshly 5-1 to Gainsborough Trinity.

The run to the final was one of the few highlights last season. They beat Brigg Town 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in their first competitive fixture of the season and then pulled off a brilliant 4-1 win at Lincoln United.

The Pilgrims will go into Tuesday's match with three matches under their belt – a clear advantage over the Tulips, who have arranged a first run-out at Swineshead on Saturday.

Boston beat Shirebrook 2-0 last Saturday with goals from Kieran Leabon and Jon Froggatt.