Spa Fall From Eagles’ Grasp

In all honesty, this was probably a game the Saltmen could have done without. Hamstrung by injury and suspensions and players returning to Stourport(!!) Droitwich could have been forgiven if they had just turned up and gone through the motions. But that is not the story of an entertaining Worcestershire Senior Cup game at Inkberrow’s Sands Lane stadium. Facing a side featuring two of Spa’s recent first-team stalwarts, Jack Brighton and Josh Hurdman, the Saltmen turned up and made a real game of it.

Of course, the odds were always against a Spa victory and bookies don’t make too many errors of judgement. After all, the Eagles of Sporting Club Inkberrow are flying high in the Southern League – effectively a division and a half above Spa’s current standing and appear to have the strength in depth to counter the loss of key players. Spa manager Quentin Townsend does not have that luxury. Had the situation been different I doubt the Spa starting eleven would have included a sixteen year old, making his first start in senior football. As fiery baptism’s go, an away cup tie at the home of step four local rivals could probably be seen as a rather hot one. The fact that Edward Bridge acquitted himself so well in the face of adversity is perhaps the brightest moment in an otherwise difficult start to the season. As the age old adage goes, one bright prospect disappears back to Stourport but an even brighter one opens. Or something like that….

Should all terraces offer table facilities? [NB: The table is subject to trademark restriction so I can’t show a picture. Please use imagination. Thank you]

Anyway, the Salt-mobile arrived in Inkberrow in good time for the kick-off, only to discover that we had tried to enter the “home” car park. We were politely directed to the correct car park wondering whether the game would be subject to crowd segregation. Fortunately, it was not and we were able to enjoy all the facilities on offer at Sands Lane, including a reasonably priced bar and tuck shop located in the modern clubhouse located behind one of the goals. As seen from the clubhouse, the ground has a seated stand with spaces reserved for club officials and the like to the left side of the pitch. Further along the same touchline is a larger covered terrace complete with its own table. Presumably the table is there to rest hot drinks on which in turn helps with “safe standing” guidelines. At the opposite goal end is a larger seated stand. That’s a large stand with seats rather than a stand with larger seats – just to clarify.

The game started with Inkberrow on top and within 6 minutes they had taken the lead. As often happens in these scenarios it was Josh Hurdman who scored against his old teammates. He was given a little too much space before unleashing a no-doubter from the edge of the box.

To their credit, Droitwich did not let the setback dampen their enthusiasm. Full debutante Ed Bridge and strike partner Alex Dugmore were giving the Eagles back four plenty to think about. Brendan Bunn in the Eagles goal was forced into a couple of good saves tipping efforts from Haydn Morris and Alex Dugmore over the bar. Ed Bridge made himself a real handful, linking up with the Spa midfield and Dugmore to good effect. Such was his threat, Inkberrow were penalised 6 times before any action was taken by a referee who, as we know to our cost, prefers not to take action against repeated foul play.

It is probably fair to say that Inkberrow always looked the stronger side but Spa showed plenty of spirit and were never outclassed or outplayed. The home-side dealt well with the Droitwich pressure and after half an hour extended their lead. Picked out by a peer, Piers Walton appeared, pierced Droitwich hearts and ‘Berrow had a pear.

At the break Droitwich replaced Cory Rudd with Nathan Binner. The second half carried on in much the same way as the first. Spa had plenty of possession but were left frustrated in the final third. The Eagles continued to look dangerous but a strong rearguard action by the Saltmen back line reduced their chances to a minimum. Manager Townsend introduced James Lemon, George Dalton and Curtis Smith in the final 20 minutes. Each made positive contributions but it was not to be the Saltmen’s night.

There was still time for former Spa fans’ favourite Jack Brighton to join the game for the last 20. Queue good humoured pantomime boos from the travelling Droitwich support.

Inkberrow concluded the evening’s scoring when Max Angelides found the net in the 88th minute. Surely a career as a Bond movie villain awaits the splendidly named Mr Angelides when his hopefully long playing career ends.

No Mr Bond, I expect you to…..sign for Stourport!

In summary, a good performance from the lads. Hopefully they have come through the game with no injuries and I didn’t notice anyone in a yellow gold shirt get booked. If so, it’s a job well done.

Next up the re-arranged Cribbs game Kingys on Saturday. Remember it’s free entry for all (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). There will be a bucket collection for the Cribbs player injured in the original game so please remember to bring some buckets cash with you.

See you there.

Cheers

FTS