Droitwich Spa FC defeated Worcester Raiders for the first time in a League game between the two sides at Kingy's on Saturday to continue their excellent League home form, where Spa have dropped just 5 points from 36 available.

The clubs, separated by only 4 miles, had met barely a month before in the Worcestershire Senior Cup where Raiders ran out comfortable 0-3 winners, however Spa exacted revenge for that and the 6 consecutive previous defeats over the years thanks to a well organised defensive display and an attack that caused the visiting defence problems all afternoon.

The game couldn't have got off to a better start for the Saltmen, as with just two minutes on the clock, Josh Hurdman was brought down by Raiders 'keeper Charlie Emery and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Ben Tilbury despatched the penalty to give Spa an early lead.

The advantage lasted barely 5 minutes as the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own as the ball struck a stray Droitwich arm following a corner. Prince Henry made no mistake to score his 2nd Raiders goal in 3 games since signing from Pershore recently.

Spa clearly had the bit between their teeth and dominated the proceedings for the rest of the half; Cory Rudd, Josh Hurdman and Alex Dugmore saw efforts narrowly off target, whilst Emery made a fine save to deny Jack Brighton within the first 25 minutes.

Raiders's solitary chance fell to former Spa and Worcester City man Cam Monteith, whose top-corner bound shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Joe Stockton.

Droitwich got the second goal that they deserved on 35 minutes when Alex Dugmore rose highest to head in a corner.

Spa finished the half strongly with Josh Hurdman's free kick going just wide, and Cory Rudd was also denied by Emery as his 20-yard drive was tipped around the post.

Within 3 minutes of the restart, Josh Hurdman extended Spa's lead to two goals when he rounded the onrushing Emery to tuck home in to an empty net.

Droitwich had allowed their second half performance levels to drop in recent weeks, with points lost at Roman Glass, Cirencester and Wootton Bassett recently, however this wasn't repeated for this local derby as Raiders, who enjoyed some promising possession, were unable to penetrate the Spa defence, whilst the hosts were always a threat going forward.

The visitors went route one to reduce the arrears as Emery's goal kick looped over everyone, opposite number Stockton hesitated to collect and substitute Lincoln Hunt connected to roll into the bottom corner with 20 minutes remaining.

Most in attendance expected an onslaught on the Droitwich goal, but even with the introduction of Bailey Fuller, Spa held firm and nullified the threat.

On 82 minutes, the game was made safe when Alex Dugmore scored his 2nd of the afternoon and 13th of the season, after some fine work from James Lemon down the left flank picked out the Spa striker at the back post to head in.

Droitwich remain 3rd in the table, however extended the gap to 6th place to 10 points after this win.

For Andy Crowther's men, two tricky away games await, with a visit to Hallen on Saturday 3rd January, and Mangotsfield United on Saturday 10th.
On Tuesday 13th (ko 7.45pm) The Saltmen will play Worcester Raiders again, at the DOADC Stadium, Claines Lane (ko 7.45pm) in the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup.