Droitwich Spa staged a monumental come-back to progress to the Midland Football League Division 1 Play-off Final on Bank Holiday Monday, meaning Andy Crowther's men are just one game away from Step 5 football after just one season in Step 6.

The Saltmen had the best opportunity early on, when James Lemon beat Hinckley stopper Cameron Belford to the ball but his chip just cleared the cross-bar.

This kicked Hinckley in to life, and the hosts controlled the first half.
Droitwich were indebted to Dom Rogerson being in fine form to deny both Josh Willis's close range header and Jack Beaseley's effort from yards out, as well as some uninspired finishing from Collins and Edwards when well positioned.

Connor Collins then nicked the ball from Beasley to set himself through on goal, but his effort went narrowly over.

Droitwich took the lead when Alex Dugmore rose highest to head home his 15th goal of the season from a set-piece on 33 minutes, however just 4 minutes later a fine solo run from the right touchline and finish from distance by Matt Dawson evened things up.

Hinckley continued to press before the break and were rewarded when leading scorer Chandler Pegg scored a goal worthy of winning any game, as he pounced on a loose ball 25-yards out out and smashed a powerful first time volley in off the cross-bar giving Rogerson no chance to give Hinckley the advantage going in to the break.

The hosts held their shape well in the second half, and created further chances for Pegg and Collins which were both off target, and Willis scuffed his effort wide where he may feel he should have hit the target.
However Pegg netted his second of the game and 33rd goal of the season (in just 27 games!) on 70 minutes after Lewis Collins's pressure forced Lewis Phillips in to a mistake, his low cross finding the unmarked Pegg who took a touch and fired in to extend Joe Conneely's sides' lead.

Nothing seemed to be working for Spa, whose usual pin-point set pieces were off the mark, and whilst the Saltmen enjoyed some good spells of possession, they struggled to apply any sustained pressure.
Perry Moss did have the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out for a foul by Lemon, then Collins dragged a cross-shot wide and Joe Obi denied Spa when he bravely headed off the line.

At the other end, Rogerson was called in to action again to deny substitute Jack Redhead's low drive.

Then the turning point, as Rudd's lofted ball found Collins who was pulled back by Jack Beasley in the area and the referee awarded Spa a penalty.

Collins stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give Droitwich a lifeline with 9 minutes remaining.

Against all odds, the Saltmen equalised within two minutes against a shellshocked Hinckley, as sheer determination from substitute Josh Hurdman forced a way through, and after an exchange with Lemon the young winger took a touch and fired a scorching drive in to the top corner from 20-yards, in off the post, to send the sizeable away following in the 596 crowd in to delirium, and treat everyone to a second world-class goal of the afternoon!

Both sides then tried to force a winner going into the last 5 minutes, and Lewis Collins was guilty of missing another couple of decent chances for the hosts whilst Sam Hurdman tried his luck with an overhead kick that went narrowly wide, and the tie was sent to penalties.

Hinckley boasted Stafford Rangers goalkeeper, and the well experience Cameron Belford in goal, as well as the dual registered Robbie Bunn (Halesowen Town) and Josh Willis (Coleshill Town), and against Spa's young protege's the hosts had the advantage. Furthermore penalties were taken in front of Hinckley's enthusiastic fans, and the Leicestershire side were fresh off the back of a penalty shoot-out win over Premier Division side Atherstone Town, which had booked their place in the League Cup Final.

Cory Rudd was first up, and he sent Belford the wrong way. Dom Rogerson then saved Willis's penalty before Connor Collins put Spa 2-0 up from the spot.
Danny Fraser scored for Hinckley to make it 1-2 and Belford saved from Droitwich's Moss, then Tom Weale evened it up at 2-2.
Jack Brighton scored another well taken penalty for Spa, then Rogerson somehow kept out Lewis Collins's effort, meaning that Sam Hurdman had the chance to win it for Droitwich.
The 19-year old, cool as you like, made no mistake with the pressure on to spark wild celebrations from the visiting fans and players alike to seal a memorable victory.

A fantastic battling team performance got Droitwich over the line and book a place in the Play-off Final which will take place this week-end (opposition, date, time and venue TBC).
Meanwhile, the Saltmen will await the outcome of Ashby Ivanhoe vs OJM Black Country on Wednesday evening (ko 7.45pm) to find out their opposition.
A win for Ashby would mean a trip to Derbyshire to face the Knights, whilst a victory for OJM Black Country would ensure the Final taking place at Kingy's.

An almost unthinkable win for Droitwich in the Play-off Final would seal a second successive promotion, and ensure first ever appearances in the FA Cup, and at Step 5.