By Caitlin Valle
A long awaited return to Kingy’s for Droitwich fans on Saturday, as the Saltmen took on FC Stratford in the 3rd Round of the Challenge Cup.
Despite a 40 minute delay to kick off due to the referee being stuck on the motorway, the game started strong with both goalkeepers being tested.
The Bears suffered an early substitution after a strong 50/50 with Joe Clayton led to serious pain for the Stratford player.

Sam Hurdman opened his personal scoring record this season in the 19th minute with a wonderful first time finish following a quick break and a superb pass from James Lemon.

However, following a corner from Dan Baldwin in the 27th minute – Dan Atkins was there to head it home to level up the playing field.

The second half begun at the same time as the torrential rain, with the crowd of 188 watching on as the sides fought against the weather.

The second half was tight, with both teams threatening to break the deadlock and testing the opposing keeper.
But just as fans were preparing to withstand the cold just a little longer for penalties, returning player to Andy Crowther’s side, substitute Haydn Morris scored in the 88th minute to grab the win for the Saltmen.
Morris left the club in 2023 and returned this week – getting his first minutes during this game.

It ended 2-1 to Spa, and Droitwich will now face a trip to the winners of Tuffley Rovers and Eversley & California in the 4th Round.

Spa are back at home in the Hellenic League Premier Division on Saturday, in the Wychavon derby again Pershore Town, kicking off at 3pm.