Spalding lost 4-1 to champions elect Kettering in a game that was much closer than the score line suggests.
The first half was very even after Glenn Richardson equalised following an opening short corner against the run of play for the visitors.
In the second half Spalding kept the league leaders on edge, but a string of misses in front of goal and two defensive lapses handed the visitors a decisive advantage.
Kettering played with aggression and pace throughout and showed why they will win the league.
Richardson saw Yellow late on as his frustrations at failing to complete chances got the better of him.