The Saltmen claimed a second straight 2-0 victory in the Midland Football League Division 1 at struggling Smethwick Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Spa hadn't played for two weeks, since the home win over Hinckley AFC, and it showed as the afternoon was a scrappy affair lacking in quality throughout.

The hosts started the better of the two sides, however on 6 minutes James Lemon was first to a descending ball, and home Captain Jordan Ambris brought him down in the area to give the Saltmen the chance to open the scoring.
Connor Collins stepped up to convert the penalty as he sent Lewis Riley the wrong way.

Droitwich were playing the long ball to good effect, with Rangers' defence hesitant, however no clear cut chances were created. The closest the visitors came to scoring a second was Lemon's curling effort from an angle, from which Riley made a good save.

Smethwick played some neat football in some dangerous areas, but time and again the Droitwich defence stood firm and Dom Rogerson remained untroubled.

With 10 minutes of the first half left to play, Spa were awarded a free--kick 20-yards from goal, and Luke Molloy stepped up to fire a peach of a effort in to Riley's top corner, giving the home 'keeper no chance.

After the break Droitwich enjoyed their best spell of the game as they got the ball down and made some tidy passing exchanges. Andy Crowther's men almost made it three when a low cross from the right hand side narrowly evaded the on-rushing Connor Collins and James Lemon.

The Spa Captain did have the ball in the net for a third when substitute Connor Baker sprung the Rangers offside trap, but his unselfish pass to Lemon with only the 'keeper to beat saw the goal disallowed for Lemon's positioning.

With 15 minutes remaining, Aston Amies made his first team debut as he replaced Connor Collins in a change of shape.
Sam Hurdman, returning from injury, was also introduced in the second half.

On another day the score-line could have been different , and for Rangers' part, they created more chances in the second period in particular, however will curse some hap-hazard finishing as Lucas Edmonds, Shakeer Abdelkhalek, Sam Kayode and Jameela Ebrima all hit high and/or wide of the mark when well positioned.

Droitwich have tasted defeat just once in the last ten games now, and next up, on Saturday (ko 3pm) will be back at Kingy's for the visit of 13th placed Chelmsley Town, who, despite some inconsistent form this season, have an excellent record in Droitwich.