FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Friday 07/08/2026

OK, it might be a while until it’s included in the GCSE syllabus but it was certainly a momentous evening for the Saltmen as they recorded their first ever win in the FA Cup.

The game also saw Spa score their first goals under the management of Quentin Townsend. That they were scored by two of the summer’s new signings added that little bit of gloss to the result.

It must be said that some Spa fans gathering in the stadium bar were expecting a very difficult evening and those fears were heightened on the sight of the teamsheet shortly before kickoff:

With a number of players unavailable, Quent had to roll the dice a bit and select something of a makeshift starting eleven. Nathan Binner made an excellent job at right back. (Sir) Alex Dugmore reverted to centre back after over two season as striker and leading scorer. They were joined in the back four by the ever dependable Joe Clayton and first choice centre back Rohan Levy.

The midfield had a more familiar look to it with Cory Rudd, James Lemon, Sam Hurdman and Perry Moss.

Up front, looked like it would be the weak link with Archie Thurston and George Dalton, two young players who arrived at Kingys over the summer. Few of the pundits in the bar thought we had much chance with predictions of three, four and five goal defeats being voiced, unaware of Alan Hansen’s comments about Man Utd’s 1995 crop of young players who tragically would be virtually unbeatable for the next ten years.

The reality was something very difficult.

Right from the kickoff, the Saltmen played with a sense of freedom not seen in the previous two games. The pace of Thurston and Dalton soon had the Town defence looking stretched and, with Perry Moss sitting in behind, Spa looked dangerous. Things didn’t all go Spa’s way and they were dealt a blow on 20 minutes when Sam Hurdman had to withdraw and was replaced by Bailey Bow.

The improvised back four were looking strong but were grateful for the intervention of keeper Dom Rogerson who made a great save to deny Muir on the half hour.

The deadlock was broken on 34 minutes. George Dalton made a powerful surge from the left side, taking the ball to the byline before picking out Archie Thurston who converted the cross from three or four yards out. The Robins were unable to strike back and for the first time this season, the Saltmen went into halftime with a deserved 1-0 lead.

The second half continued as the first ended with Spa looking confident and comfortable. Last season’s vulnerability to far post crosses has been banished. Spa created a series of good chances and Town had keeper Cuneen to thank for keeping them in the game, making a string of important stops to minimise the deficit. But on 54 minutes even he was unable to stop the impressive George Dalton. The pacey debutant made another foray into the Robins’ penalty box, cutting in from the left before wrong-footing Cuneen with a clinical finish to double Spa’s advantage. The players rushed over to celebrate the goal with our group of supporters and James Lemon reminded us of the promise he made to us after the Cinderford game, that they would give us some goals. Promise kept!

The Robins did what they could to reduce the deficit in the latter stages of the game. Most of their attacking was focused on the left side but time and again they were thwarted by Spa’s interim right back, Nathan Binner.

In fact, it was the Saltmen who finished the game on the front foot, creating a host of opportunities and it would not have been unrealistic if they had won by a greater margin. However, the Spa fans, who again travelled in good numbers, were more than happy with the two goal victory and serenaded the players off the pitch.

The result earns the Saltmen an away trip to Hanley Town in the next round.

The much coveted Following The Saltmen Man of the Match award goes to Nathan Binner. The industrious midfield dynamo slipped seamlessly into the right back role and, under significant pressure, put in a massive shift.

Next up, it’s the away FA Trophy tie against Coventry Copsewood that will be played at Kingys as their own pitch is being used for cricket next Saturday.

See you there.

Cheers

FTS