Reaction from Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean after their victory over Stamford AFC

Manager Jimmy Dean lauded a fantastic performance from his five-star Spalding United side as they thrashed neighbours Stamford in an Easter Monday derby day duel.

The Tulips inflicted the heaviest defeat of the season on their rivals after an emphatic 5-0 success in the Southern League Premier Division Central clash at the Sir Halley Stewart ground.

The defeat dropped the Daniels out of the play-off places as Spalding followed up Dan Lawlor's first half penalty with four goals after the break.

James Clifton, Joe Nyahwema and Jack Roberts all netted in a 14-minute spell before Nyahwema capped a fine performance with the fifth goal late on.

Dean said: "It was a fantastic performance in what was a big game for the club and our fans.

"The players probably didn't realise in the first game of the season against Stamford how a big match it was and the Stamford boys did that day.

"I think we've done a good job on making sure that the players know that this time and they were very receptive to that rivalry.

"We got to every first contact, second ball and transitions and, even at 5-0, you could still see our two centre-halves sprinting back at the end to get in.

"It was a complete performance."

Spalding had gone into the contest after seeing their own play-off hopes virtually ended by back-to-back goalless draws.

They were held to a frustrating home stalemate by Alvechurch before sharing the spoils at AFC Sudbury on Saturday.

Dean added: "We played two sides who made it really difficult for us and they've done good jobs on us.

"We haven't played great in either game and, although we couldn't say that we deserved to win them, we've had chances in each but we haven't taken them or been clinical.

"We were clinical against Stamford and that's what happens.

"No disrespect to Stamford, but I just felt that we were better than them on the day. Every one of our units won their battles."

Lawlor's spot kick following a foul on Nyahwema had given Spalding the lead before Stamford made a strong start to the second half.

Ashton Offler hit the crossbar with a header but, once Spalding had weathered the early pressure, they turned on the attacking style.

Dean continued: "Fair play to Stamford because they came out after half-time and put on an onslaught and it was a big moment in the game when they hit the crossbar.

"They then had to come out at us after the second goal and, when teams come and play football against us, they find it difficult.

"We've beaten the likes of Bedford and Halesowen who are both good sides because they wanted a football match against us.

"We're good against sides who want an expansive football match and we're now seven games unbeaten but the problem is that we're trying to make up a lot of distance."

A crowd of more than 900 turned out to watch the derby duel and Dean was delighted to send the Spalding fans home happy.

He enthused: "We wanted to win the game and show our fans because this football club means a lot to them as well as us as players, individuals and a collective.

"Derby days mean a lot and we wanted to put it all on the line and I think we did that.

"They stood up to a big physical outfit. We weren't bullied and I think we beat them up across the board which we have to be happy about."

The derby win leaves Spalding three points adrift of the play-off places with one match remaining at relegation-threatened Barwell on Saturday.

They would need to make up a nine-goal advantage on fifth-placed Harborough Town - who travel to AFC Sudbury - while hoping that the Bees as well as Stamford and Stratford Town lose their last matches of the season.