The Saltmen got the 2024-25 season off to a flying start at Wildsmith Meadow on Saturday with a convincing 2-6 victory over Newent Town.

The first half started nervously for Spa, as the hosts spent the opening 5 minutes on the front foot and had Droitwich pinned back, however the Saltmen came closest to opening the scoring when James Lemon's effort beat stopper Alex Goode but hit the crossbar and over.

The Daffs response was to break the deadlock when a cross-shot was parried by Rogerson as far as Josh Burns who smashed home the rebound from close range on 6 minutes.

Alex Dugmore then saw a header go narrowly over and Tilley's effort from distance was just off target as Spa started to take control.
At the other end Town were dangerous on the counter attack and Weir hit the side netting.

Chances kept coming for the visitors, and Fusco's low drive was well saved by Goode, but it was just a matter of time til the Saltmen made their pressure pay, and Alex Dugmore evened up the scores as he burst through the heart of the home defence and finished well under Goode.

Spa continued to press and Dugmore narrowly missed the target before the hosts threatened as Rogerson saved well to deny Jake Dobbins.

Lemon then saw an effort heroically cleared off the line by Webb, and from the resulting corner Dugmore netted his 2nd of the game with a powerful header on 36 minutes.

Droitwich's lead lasted all of 3 minutes as a header from a Daffs corner was cleared off the line by Jackson but ricocheted off a Newent player and into the goal!

Perry Moss had the last chance of the half for Droitwich but missed the target and the sides went in tied at the break at 2-2.

The Saltmen turned on the style in the second half, much to the delight of the 60 plus travelling fans who made the 90-mile round trip, and managed to add a further 4 goals to obtain a convincing victory as Rogerson had precious little to do.

It took just 5 minutes for Droitwich to re-take the lead as Matt Fusco capped an impressive debut with a goal as he calmly picked up a rebound to side foot home from close range after Goode denied Lemon's initial effort.

Alex Dugmore then scored his first hat-trick for Droitwich on 63 minutes with the goal of the game; a thunderous volley from an angle 18-yards out that gave Goode no chance.

Goode then denied Lemon with a superb save before Dugmore marked his 4th of the afternoon and Spa's 5th with a close range finish.

Andy Crowther used all of his subs and Spa continued to dominate: further chances came and went for Moss, Binner, Davies, Edmonds, Hurdman and Lemon, and Nathan Binner rounded off the scoring on 72 minutes from the penalty spot after Edmonds was fouled in the area.

Droitwich were awarded a second penalty when Lemon was brought down by Swaies, but Goode guessed correctly to save the spot kick.

Spa will be pleased with their 2nd half display in particular to take in to Tuesday's home game against newly promoted Redditch Borough at Kingys (ko 7.45pm).
Borough also got off to a winning start as they overcame Southam United at the Mettis Sports Ground, 3-1.