FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Match Report

Hellenic League Division One – 22 Feb 2025

It has been a good weekend for the Saltmen. It started well before a ball was kicked when the recalculation of the table due to the demise of Southam United gave Spa an additional three points lead over close rivals Abingdon.

Nevertheless, when 3.03 came round all thoughts were on the task at hand. Today’s opponents Shortwood are a dangerous proposition with a good record against sides in the top five. All credit to Shortwood, they came to Kingys to play football rather than spend 90 minutes practicing their bus parking skills. The Woods are clearly a side with a number of highly capable players, front to back. They started positively and stretched the home defence with some pacey, accurate passing moves, faltering only in the final third of the field where they were unable to find the killer ball to unlock the Droitwich Defence. On the one occasion they did break through, they were thwarted by Dom Rogerson in the Spa goal, who made a fantastic reflex save to keep out a deflected United strike. As the first half went on, Spa incrementally seized control of the game and in the 22nd minute they broke the deadlock courtesy of a smart 20 yard effort from Perry Moss which bounced just in front of the Shortwood keeper who was unable prevent the mercurial Spa star from opening the scoring.

The Woods continued to make inroads throughout the first half but tenacious defending from the home side managed to nullify the threat and just before the break the Saltmen doubled their advantage. Josh Hurdman had been a constant threat with probing runs down the right side and the Spa danger man neatly tucked his opportunity away.

The second half was dominated by the Saltman and a third goal arrived on 71 minutes. A great ball from Sam Carey set Josh Hurdman away down the right flank. He cut inside and delivered an inch perfect cross to the waiting Alex Dugmore who made no mistake converting for a three goal lead.

Shortwood registered a deserved consolation goal in injury time but the spoils went to the Saltmen.

In summary, a great return to early season form for Droitwich.

There were a number of contenders for the FTS Man of the Match but this week it goes to Sam Carey who just edged it over Cory Rudd and Jack Brighton.

Next up, a trip to Chipping Sodbury.

See you there.

Cheers

Steve