Droitwich Spa 2-2 Knowle (Won 4-2 on penalties)

The Saltmen progressed to the 2nd round of the Presidents Cup after overcoming Knowle in an entertaining game at Walshes Meadow.

After Spa's 1-0 win over the same opponents in the league two weeks before, the visitors were intent on gaining some revenge, and after a decent start frm Droitwich the Robins took the lead after just 7 minutes - a break down the left hand side by Kieran Day whose pinpoint cross found an unmarked Torryn Connolly who headed Knowle in front from close range.

Despite the game being low on efforts on goal, both sides played some very good football but both were lacking in the final third.
An even encounter was again beng played out, and Droitwich levelled up the score-line on 21 minute after good work from Brad Burgess sent Dan Cottrill away - the youngster (making his first start for the first team) cut inside and made a bee-line for goal but was hacked down in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Max Crisp stepped up and powerfully despatched the penalty into the roof of the net, giving stand-in 'keeper Chris Knott no chance.

More good play for both sides ensued - Haydn Morris for Spa and substitute Nathan Corry for Knowle the brightest sparks, however both 'keepers remained relatively untroubled and the two sides went in to the break at 1-1.

The Saltmen started the second half brightly and created several goal-scoring opportunities - the best of which falling to James Lemon whose close range header went narrowly wide.
Spa got the ball down and played some decent football, however were on the back foot again when the impressive Nathan Corry took advantage of some lacklustre home defending to put Knowle back in front on the hour mark.

A well organised back-line and some tough tackling from the visitors was frustrating Droitwich who were enjoying alot of possesion in the last quarter of the game as they searched for an equaliser.
Spa left it late, but the introduction of Jack Allerton for the final 10 minutes proved instrumental. In injury time, the influential midfield man picked up the ball 25 yards out, held off his man and calmly stroked home a last gasp equaliser from the edge of the box - giving Knott no chance.

The tie went straight to penalties, and Matt Oliver made an excellent save from the first Knowle spot kick, before Max Crisp gave Spa the lead.
Nathan Corry stepped up but fired wide, while Allerton converted - 2-0 Spa.
Knowle Captain Steve Rook scored from the spot, as did James Lemon; 3-1 Spa
Callum Ingram also scored for Knowle, but Joe Mayo-Braiden (with his first and only touch of the game!) notched the decisive spot kick to send Droitwich into the next round.