The Saltmen fell to a second successive defeat on Saturday, this time at the hands of Hinckley AFC.

Going in to the game the two sides had identical records, however Spa were without four first team regulars due to suspension, injury and unavailability, and Andy Crowther, who also named himself on the substitutes list, had to improvise.

Despite this, Droitwich started the game brightly and looked lively going forward- an early effort from Ollie Thompson from a tight angle went wide of Hinckley stopper Alec Hill's goal, then a few moments later, from Thompson's low cross from the right, James Lemon scooped an effort over the bar from just 4-yards out.

Spa were denied a penalty when Thompson drove in to the box and appeared to be brought down by the on-rushing Hill, but the referee waved away the protests.

As the half went on the hosts took control, and with their first effort on goal opened the scoring on 12 minutes.
Some relaxed defending from Droitwich down the right was capitalised upon as the lively Daniel Fraser cut inside and fired an unstoppable effort in to the top corner.

Spa had another penalty claim when Thompson's cross-shot appeared to be deflected out for a corner by Ben Newport's arm, but once again the referee felt differently and pointed for a corner kick to the dismay of the handful of Droitwich followers.

The hosts turned the screw and could have been 3 or 4 goals better off, but Matt Oliver was in inspired form to deny Chandler Pegg, Lewis Collins and Lewis Rankin.
Mid-way through the half Hinckley were awarded a spot kick when Oliver clumsily brought down Collins in the area, but the Spa stopper redeemed himself immediately with a fantastic save from a well struck penalty, down to his right to keep the score at 1-0.

Hinckley weren't to be denied as moments before the break, Collins beat the offside trap and squared for Pegg who tapped in to an empty net.

After the break Hinckley soon extended their advantage when Droitwich gave the ball away high up the pitch and the hosts countered with devastating effect as Rankin finished brilliantly from the edge of the area.

Droitwich kept plugging away but failed to create many clear-cut chances; Molloy, Moss and Lemon all missed the target as Hinckley sat back to protect their lead.
James Lemon reduced the arrears 20 minutes from time, sending a looping header over Hill after Lewis Phillips's deep cross.

More chances came and went, as the introductions of Sam Hurdman and Keatley Charles with a change of shape gave Hinckley problems. And Droitwich were given renewed hope when Lemon was brought down in the box and Luke Molloy expertly converted the spot-kick.

As the Saltmen went in search of a late equaliser, all hope was dashed as substitute Isa Abraham netted the goal of the game from a difficult angle to give Hinckley all three points in an entertaining game between two attacking sides, not without defensive frailties.

Droitwich are on the road again this week on Wednesday night when we travel to Bewdley Town in the Worcestershire Senior Cup 2nd Round (ko 7.45pm). The winner will host Pershore Town in the Quarter-Final.