FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Pre-season Game. 12 July 2025.

As I may have mentioned in an earlier post, that a family holiday in Cornwall means I am missing The Saltmen’s games against Smethwick Rangers and Kidderminster Harriers. Nevertheless, my commitment to quality journalism remains firm and, like the Droitwich Standard, I won’t let not actually seeing the game prevent me from writing a report.

It was very hot at the Boldmere home of Smethwick Rangers. So hot, in fact, that the grass had changed to plastic and the soil had become a type of rubber crumb stuff. That’s global warming for you, eh Greta?

In preparation for Spa’s Hellenic Premier opener in front of the Sky cameras at 7.23am on a Friday morning, it was decided that today’s game would kick off at 12.00 noon. There are rumours circulating which suggest this was at the request of West Mids Police keen to prevent the travelling hordes from Droitwich going to the pub before the game and then indulging in sectarian singing in favour of Rangers deadly rivals, Smethwick Celtic. If so, it worked.

Spa dominated the first half but were unable to trouble the chaps in the scorers’ hut. Halftime arrived with the game goalless.

The deadlock was broken by Spa skipper and club legend James Lemon who scored a goal. A little bit later the Saltmen notched a second through midfield stalwart Corey Rudd. Sadly a calamitous decision by the officials meant the goal was credited to the home side. With the scores evenly balanced at one apiece each, star of last year’s Under 18s championship winners, Harry Griffiths popped up to grab the winner for Droitwich, proving conclusively that not all young people are spice taking hoodlums, hell bent on the destruction of society. Apparently that’s now the job of Parliamentarians!

Due to my physical (if not spiritual) absence, today’s FTS Man of the Match was selected by fellow Spa fan, Len Boyd who selected skipper and Droitwich legend James Lemon who Len said had a great game. Thanks to Len and Lem.

Best wishes to Rangers for the coming season. Hope you have a good one!

Next up former football league club and near neighbours Kidderminster Harriers come to town on Tuesday evening for Spa’s first home game since lifting the Hellenic League Division One trophy. The club expect a decent sized crowd at Kingys, so get there early.

Won’t see you there.

Cheers

Steve