FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Hellenic League Premier Division

10 January 2026

Attendance: 355

Such was the draw of this away game, we had to double up on the number of cars our little band of Saltmen took down the M5 in search of yet more glory.

So I fired up the Saltmobile, collected Jaddy and Don and headed into the sun and down the M5. After the now customary pit stop at Strensham (to pick up some essential hydration) we enjoyed a stress free journey to the pleasant north eastern suburbs of Bristol before stopping off at The Red Lion for a swift half. Cracking pub. Good choice of cask beers including Butty Bach and Proper Job. A rare treat awaited the lager drinker too, with Red Stripe on draught! Decent prices too.

We jumped backed in the Saltmobile and made our way the short distance to the ground. The club car park was full by the time we got there and, with the neighbouring rugby club at home, parking places were at a premium. We managed to find a space in the car park of a nearby sports field. Well, it was either a car park or a Royal Marines assault course. It was hard to tell, as half of it was under about 18 inches of water. But we’re hardy folk and think nothing of walking through the type of water hazards usually seen on posh golf courses. Even the sight of a basking alligator [Are you sure – Ed] couldn’t keep us from cheering our heroes on.

Mangotsfield may be one of the longest of away trips this season but it is well worth the effort. The stadium would certainly not look out of place at least two steps higher up the pyramid. It really is a proper ground in all respects. Without doubt, this is the best away ground I have visited while following the Saltmen. A large, fully seated, main stand is located on the clubhouse touchline, both goal ends are fully covered and there are two covered terraces either side of the dugouts, opposite the main stand. I almost wished it was raining.

In fact it was a clear afternoon as we found out as the first half kicked off. Moving round to the end Spa were attacking, we found we were staring straight into low mid-winter sun. This made viewing play at the opposite end a bit difficult. This was, perhaps, a blessing as barely a minute has been played before the home side squandered a chance to take an early lead when a shot from a nicely worked left side move was skied from barely five yards out. I think!

Droitwich gradually grew into the game and started to create chances of their own. Dempsey in the Mangoes goal made two smart stops to deny James Lemon early in the going. In fairness, it was a very open game and the Saltmen could have been three down before Josh Hurdman hit the post in the 31st minute. But the destructive Spa wideman would not have to wait long to stamp his name on the game. A minute after testing the strength of the woodwork, Josh pick up a loose ball on the edge of the Mangoes box and threaded a firm finish through a crowd of players and beyond Dempsey to open the scoring.

Around this time we made some new friends. A small group of young men who follow Wick Football Club were at a loose end as their game had been postponed, so they decided to travel the short distance to Mangotsfield. It may have been down to local rivalry but they decided to throw their weight (and drum) behind the Saltmen. Every little bit helps.

The second half was more cagey than the first. Spa set their stall out to protect the lead. There were a couple anxious moments but a strong rearguard action did the trick and the lead remained intact until the final whistle.

A strong effort was seen from all the players but this week’s Following the Saltmen Man of the Match of the award goes to James Lemon. The club skipper led by example and was a constant thorn in the side of his opponents.

Three points and a clean sheet always adds a a bit of gloss but this was one of the best away days for a while. Another good turnout by the Spa faithful seems to have been well received and we certainly enjoyed a good welcome from our hosts.

A really enjoyable day out! The club with the best ground and best home support met the club with the best away support.

Next up it’s a short jaunt to Claines Lane in the floodlit cup on Tuesday evening. You might say that’s like going from the sublime to the Raidiculous.

See you there.

FTS