FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Hallen FC 0-1 Droitwich Spa

UhlSport Hellenic League Premier Division

3rd July 2026

The new year started with The Saltmen making the now familiar trip down the M5 to the northern suburbs of Bristol. It’s not been a particularly happy hunting ground this season after being held to a score draw at Cribbs and losing at Roman Glass. But our happy band of travelling supporters set off in good spirits after last week’s convincing win over local rivals Worcester Raiders.

We decided in midweek that we should give Jaddy G a day off from driving duties so, Jaddy, Len, Don and yours truly piled into the Saltmobile and were soon heading south into the January sunshine. A quick pit stop at Strensham for some essential hydration fluids and we were soon approaching Bristol. With the January sales in full swing, we were help up briefly as we left the motorway at Cribbs Causeway (still better than the Giants’ one) but by 2.15 we arrived at the ground. After parking in the overspill car park, we made our way to the ground where a cheery welcome awaited. Travelling can dehydrate a supporter so we made our way into the ground. The bar facilities available up to the final whistle are located in a small but pleasant portacabin on the touchline where supporters can buy food, soft drinks and cans of beer and cider at £4 per can. A selection of snacks was also available.

On the same side as the bar, the ground boasts a hospitality suite in a nicely converted transport container, two covered external bar areas, an impressive main stand and a covered standing area. In warmer weather, I can imagine the ground would be a great place to watch football. There has certainly been some creative thought gone into the facilities.

Sadly, today the temperature was more Baltic than Balearic. Even the passing seagulls smelled of wintergreen! So we were unable to make full use of the rehydration opportunities.

At three o’clock, a game of football broke out. The playing surface looked good but it soon became clear it was very soft and it took most of the first half for both sides to fully find their feet. Chances were at a premium and neither goalkeeper had much in the way of shot stopping to keep them warm.

Droitwich probably edged the first 45 minutes with the majority of possession and the better of the chances but it took until first half injury time for that to be converted to goals. But when it did arrive it came from possibly the best move of the game. After dispossessing Hallen in the Droitwich half, Jack Brighton and Josh Hurdman exchanged passes wide on the right flank. Josh twisted and turned his way into the Hallen penalty area before cleverly finding James Lemon whose first time shot found the top corner of the goal giving Spa a lead they would not relinquish.

The second half began with the home side looking to equalise and with a couple of minutes played, Hallen had their closest effort on goal of the afternoon as King shot narrowly wide. On the hour mark, a Ben Tilbury header was cleared off the line. Both sides battled hard but the heavy underfoot conditions made free flowing football difficult. Hallen pushed hard right up to the final whistle but Spa defended resolutely and Joe Stockton in the Droitwich goal was restricted largely to sweeping up behind his back four.

Overall a good away win on a tricky surface and a clean sheet too. Good performances all round from the Saltmen. Massive effort from lads, with excellent shifts put in by skipper James Lemon and Curtis Smith among many but this week’s Following the Saltmen Man of the Match award goes Alex Dugmore. A real battling performance from the Droitwich talisman who led the line very effectively and showed a couple of flashes of real skill.

The result moves the Saltmen back to second place.

Next time out we travel to Mangotsfield.

See you there.

Cheers

FTS