FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

It may not have been as pretty as the two previous away wins but it was mission accomplished for the Saltmen as they left Carterton’s impressive ground with all three points.

Those expecting a cricket score for Spa were to be disappointed as it soon became clear that Carterton are made of much sterner stuff than the side who lost heavily at Kingys earlier this season. The pattern of the game soon became clear as Spa dominated their hosts in the early exchanges – and pretty much the entire game.

Numerous chances came and went as Carterton dug in and defended stoically. Just as it started to look like it was going to be one of those games, the deadlock was broken. Who got the goal? None other than the division’s leading scorer Alex Dugmore. A teasing cross from the industrious Josh Hurdman was met by the Spa striker who leapt like a salmon and guided his header home (unlike a salmon) and Droitwich had a lead they would never relinquish. The half chances created by The Saltmen are too numerous to list in a short blog. On the odd occasion that Carterton broke past the Spa midfield, the back four stepped in and extinguished the threat. Dom Rogerson in the Spa goal was little more than a spectator.

The second half followed the first half and so did the pattern of play. Spa continued to dominate but couldn’t find the killer touch. As frustration looked likely to set in, talisman Dugmore was brought down in the penalty area on 81 minutes and the referee pointed to the spot. It was a soft penalty to concede, as Duggers was moving away from goal and may well have already lost possession. The spot kick was dispatched in style by Perry Moss and this appeared to put an end to Carterton’s hopes of picking up a point or more from the game. They played with a level of commitment and tenacity which belies their league position.

So, no scoring records were broken but we are 3 points nearer promotion than we were at 3.00pm on Saturday and that means job done in my book.

FTS Man of The Match goes to Lewis Phillips who had a big game for the Saltmen and spared a couple of his colleagues some blushes with some timely interventions.

On to Kidlington.

See you there

Cheers

Steve