FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Who’d of thunk it? Spa taking another step 5 scalp and progressing to the draw for the third round of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time in the club’s history. Momentous times indeed.

Actually, quite a number of the 100 plus travelling faithful thunked so and their faith was rewarded, with interest!

The game started slowly and the Saltmen eased themselves steadily into the game. After 20 seconds they felt comfortable enough to take the lead when Knight’s keeper Catlow looked anything but cat-like when he spilled a relatively innocuous Josh Hurdman cross, leaving Perry Moss a straightforward tap in to open the scoring.

As the half progressed, it became a cut and thrust affair with both sides failing to take advantage of half chances and defences held firm. That changed on 40 minutes when Lewis Phillips showed great tenacity to keep the ball in play on the Ashby byline, clipping a fabulous cross over to Josh Hurdman, who selflessly headed the ball back across goal to the waiting Charlie Tilley who tucked it away for a 0-2 scoreline. Barely 3 minutes later, that man Tilley was on hand again to neatly stick home a Perry Moss ball in the danger zone, sending the travelling masses delirious and Spa into halftime with a 3 goal lead.

The second half saw Spa look to protect their advantage and they did so against their higher tier opponents very effectively. The Knights showed their quality in reducing the deficit to 2 on 52 minutes but were unable to break the steadfast Spa defence again. The Saltmen put their bodies on the line time after time and Dom Rogerson made an absolute worldy of a stop late on to tip what appeared a certain goal over the bar. The young goalkeeper’s development this season has been a joy to watch and this important intervention prevented a much more frantic closing period than actually happened.

The final whistle was greeted with jubilation from the players and travelling supporters alike, only too aware of the significance of this win.

There is no way I can pick man of the match. Every one of the lads in red and black gave everything and contributed to an amazing team performance which will live long in the memories of all the Spa fans present.

Thanks to the staff and officials at Ashby Ivanhoe who made us very welcome – even if one or two of their supporters were slightly less hospitable. Best wishes for the rest of the season!

The Saltmen now go into the third round draw on Monday for the first time in club history.

All in all a great day out – made even better as there was a toilet on the coach.

Next up, a fast improving Chipping Sodbury side visit Kingys next Saturday when we return to Hellenic League action.

See you there

Cheers

Steve