FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Slimbridge 3-0 Droitwich Spa

Hellenic League Premier Division

31 March 2026

It was always going to be the most challenging game of the season and so it proved. Slimbridge weren’t three goals better than Spa. But they were better. In fact, when they are in full flow, they look comfortably the best team we have played this season. Crucially, they figured out the way Spa play during or even before the first meeting at Kingys. They have also identified where our vulnerabilities lie.

For the second time in just over 48 hours it took something special to break the deadlock. For much of the first half the Saltmen looked the more likely to do it. Spa crafted a number of promising opportunities. On both flanks Perry Moss and James Lemon made life difficult for their opponents but the final ball would just not drop kindly and Slimbridge were able to snuff out the danger. Then, on the stroke of half time, the ball was picked up by Slimbridge number 7, Olly Sully on the right touchline and just inside the Spa half. There was no apparent danger but Sully ran past the Spa back line without drawing any notable challenge before unleashing a powerful shot which left Droitwich stopper Joe Stockton with no chance.

The second half was controlled by the home side. Content to sit back and absorb the Spa pressure, Slimbridge have the guile and ability to move the ball forward quickly. And that’s what they did. Twice. The Saltmen battled hard but it just didn’t happen.

Had it not been for a handful of really strong saves from Joe Stockton, the scoreline may have looked worse.

As it was, for the second consecutive game, nothing else of any interest happened in the second half which finished with Slimbridge winning 3-0.

Another huge turnout by Salt Nation making up at least 50% of the crowd.

The Following The Saltmen Man of the Match award goes to Joe Stockton. The Spa keeper made a string of good saves to keep his side in the game.

FTS shared driving duties with Jaddy G who, for the first time this season, is now prepared to concede that Spa may not win the title this year. In the words of John Lennon, “Strange days indeed.”

Next up Longlevens. Not been there before!

See you there.

Cheers

FTS