Saltmen 3-1 Smithswood Firs

Droitwich Spa made it 8 league games unbeaten against a struggling Smithswood Firs side, however the score-line maybe flattered them a little.

Droitwich started the game brightly and were a goal up within 10 minutes. New signing Jack Allerton's precise through ball sent top scorer Nick Seabourne away one on one with the 'keeper and he confidently slotted home for his 20th goal in 23 league games.

He should have doubled his tally minutes later when Crowther's ball over the top put him in again - this time he went for the far post but the ball took a bobble and went agonisingly wide.

The hosts were controlling procedings at this stage as both Seabourne and Bridges came close before Hunt's header went narrowly over.

A second goal would come just after the half hour though as Allerton played a decisive role again; this time allowing the in-form Bradley Burgess to sprint clear of his marker and finish with aplomb from a tight angle.
However, Spa failed to convert further chances as they ran the visitors' defence ragged and this set up an uncomfortable second half.

As much as The Saltmen dominated the first half, the Lions dominated the second and Matt Oliver had to be at his best to stop efforts from Hulme, Crawford and Smith.
The visitors had alot more of the ball and caused the home defence all kinds of problems. Their just rewards were a goal back to set up what could have been a nervy finish - the ever dependable Sam Hulme cutting in from the left, riding three challenges before finishing well into the bottom corner.

Droitwich then soaked up some more pressure before Seabourne came close and finally the returning substitute Macauley Finch settled the nerves with just over ten minutes to go.
An excellent interception and foray forward from Jamie Smith whose cross field ball was well controlled by the striker. He turned his marker and drilled a fierce shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

This was just what the hosts needed as Firs looked deflated after such a valiant peformance and fight back. Their heads dropped and Spa had the ball in the back of the net twice more before the final whistle- firstly Mike Seeley's header was questionably chalked off for offside, before Seabourne busted a gut to reach a loose ball, rounded the 'keeper and rolled the ball in to the net but was then penalised for a push.

An all important three points for the Saltmen, especially as one of their closest challengers-Fairfield Villa-slipped up at home to Knowle, however the performance over the 90 minutes did not hit the heights of recent weeks.