FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup Round 3

18 November 2025

The Saltmen travelled down the M50 on Tuesday evening for a tricky looking tie against a buoyant Newent side in Round 3 of the Floodlit Cup.

In fact, the number three would prove a recurring theme throughout the evening. The Droitwich side included three players making their first team debuts, all of whom would make significant contributions to the game. With Dom Rogerson recovering from a niggling injury picked up towards the end of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Thornbury, the goalkeeper’s shirt was seized by 18 year old Thomas King. So, that means this season Spa’s three starting keepers have the names Dom, Dom and Tom. I don’t think FIFA have made rhyming goalkeepers names compulsory, which is good news for all teams with goalkeepers called Frank.

Making his full debut was striker Soms Sibanda. After an impressive appearance from the bench on Saturday, Soms joined Sir Alex Dugmore spearheading a changed, 4-4-2 formation.

Later in the game Zay Clarke, joined the game and the dual registered (with Worcester City) player impressed on debut.

On arrival at Wildsmith Meadow we headed for the warmth of the excellent clubhouse. Newent must be commended for their ongoing programme of improvements to the ground. Since our last visit, in August 2024, the Daffs have built an extension to the clubhouse. Intended to accommodate matchday visitors as well as non-football events, the extension provides a really pleasant space. It even has a mezzanine area which is available for hire. The whole ground is a testament to the hard work the club must have put in to ensure that everything was a clean, comfortable place to watch football.

On to the football and while Spa had rested or benched a number of first team regulars, they were still able field a very strong side for the game. The opening exchanges were shaded by the Daffs while Spa struggled to put fluent moves together.

After finding their feet, Droitwich took the lead in the tenth minute. And it was new man Soms Sibanda who broke the deadlock. Put through on goal with just Leyton Joyce in the home goal to beat, Soms initial effort was well saved only for the ball to run free. Soms slipped but managed to get up and roll the loose ball into the vacant goal. Six minutes later Soms almost bagged a second but the ball rattled the post and away to safety.

Unfortunately, things didn’t all go Droitwich’s way. After making a brilliant sliding tackle, Spa stalwart and all round legend, Jack Davies failed to get back up. Clearly in real discomfort JD was helped off the field and replaced by Charlie Tilley. He was taken straight to the Worcester Royal Hospital where we now understand he was diagnosed as having a fractured fibula. We send our very best wishes to Jack and look forward to seeing him back on the field soon. A player who never fails to make an impact on a games, losing Jack to serious injury will be a blow to the whole squad.

Both sides traded chances until just before the break, when that man Sibanda collected the ball 12 yards out, turned and lashed the ball past the stranded Joyce to give the Saltmen a two goal advantage at the break.

The second half started with Newent very much on the front foot. Spa were unable to clear a fiendish cross from Tiago Ribeiro and had to throw bodies in the ball to prevent the hosts halving the deficit. They survived with their line intact but only by their dental epidermis.

The Droitwich coaching team switched the format back to the usual 4-5-1 set up at the midpoint of the second half and introduced the players from the bench. In accordance with tradition, Soms Sibanda was replaced while chasing a hat trick but can be pleased with his performance. Zay Clarke was one of the players entering the action. On 70 minutes the pacy wideman beat his man before finding Charlie Tilley with his cross. Charlie needed no second invitation and guided a first time finish past Joyce to record goal number three on the night and effectively secure passage to the next round.

A strong late period of pressure from the hosts came to nought and Tom Ling had a clean sheet on debut.

The last ‘three’ of the night relates to the average age of the Newent Band, located in the main stand. We’ll have a whip round next time we come down so you can buy some other instruments but only if you promise not to fight over who gets the triangle.

The much sought after Following The Saltmen Man of the Match goes to Soms Sibanda. Great introduction to the side and only the width of a post away from a hat trick on debut. Welcome aboard Soms.

Back to league football on Saturday as we travel to Cirencester.

See you there.

Cheers

FTS