The Saltmen tasted defeat in the League for the first time since October 2021 - a run that spanned 23 games, to a well drilled Coton Green side.

The Tamworth based outfit proved too strong and well organised for Spa to break down, and a lack of experience in the home sides' ranks, with the unavailable Matt Tyler (injured) and Scott Braiden-Smith (unavailable) was telling.

The visitors took the lead on 8 minutes, and it was a contested goal, as a ball over the top found Corey Powell in an offside position, for which the linesman raised his flag, and as the Spa players stopped, top scorer Matt Gardner broke on to the loose ball and finished from a tight angle.
After some deliberation between the match officials, the goal was given despite the vehement protests of the Droitwich players and bench.

Just 5 minutes later, the lethal Gardner made it two for him and his side; again latching on to a through-ball before lofting the ball over the on-rushing Matt Oliver in to an empty net.

Droitwich pushed for an equaliser and enjoyed some good possession, however the final ball lacked quality and and the home side remained frustrated. The Slatmen came closest in the first period when Connor Collins' free-kick narrowly went wide of the target, as Coton Green sat back and waited to hit on the counter attack.

There were some strong challenges throughout, and Harry Howard of the visitors was treading a fine line after being booked, as he went in hard on Connor Collins. The Spa talisman had to be substituted off just after the half-hour mark, and moments later the Coton Green management team made an inspired, yet precautionary move by replacing Howard with Kyle Hayden.

The visitors should have extended their lead when substitute Hayden was put through on goal, but Matt Oliver saved well low down to keep the score-line at 0-2.

The Saltmen rallied early on in the second period, but once more were restricted to half chances. Most of the good work coming via Perry Moss and Jack Brighton.
Their endeavour and crosses in to the box were too often met by a green shirt, however Cal Green, Alex Dugmore and Ollie Thompson did manage goal-bound efforts, but were not enough to test visiting 'keeper Corey Samuels.
Perry Moss was also the victim of a heavy challenge, and had to be substituted, and from then on Droitwich seemed to lack ideas as Coton Green defended well to snuff out any major threats.
Ollie Thompson had a header cleared off the line, and Haydn Morris came close, whilst Coton's best chance again fell to Hayden, who beat the offside trap but put his effort wide of the goal whilst pressured by Lewis Phillips.

The visitors ultimately out-foxed Droitwich in a professional display, and not only did Spa taste defeat, but in the process lost two important players in Perry Moss and Connor Collins.

Spa's next game is on Tuesday evening, with a trip to AFC Bridgnorth (ko 7.45pm - more details to follow). The Shropshire side are without a win to date, so Andy Crowther and his side will be looking to forget Saturday's defeat quickly and get back on track in Shropshire.

Following that, Droitwich return to KGPF next week-end, when we have a Bank Holiday double-header.
First, on Saturday, Stapenhill are the visitors, and then on Bank Holiday Monday Coventry Copsewood are our guests (both games kick off at 3pm).