Droitwich Spa continued their strong recent form at bottom of the table Carterton on Saturday, to make it seven games unbeaten in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 as Andy Crowther's men remain unbeaten away from home.

The Saltmen dominated the first half, however despite cutting through the home defence on numerous occasions, Droitwich, who have scored 91 goals in 27 League games, did not bring their shooting boots to Kilkenny Lane.

Spa had a good claim for a penalty as early as the 3rd minute when Ben Tilbury received the ball in the area only for Ryan Moore to clatter through the back of him, however the referee waved away the protests.

The visitors were frustrated by the offside trap throughout the first half, however Nathan Binner saw a shot from 18-yards cleared off the line with 'keeper Wood beaten, then Perry Moss (twice), Josh Hurdman and Alex Dugmore all saw efforts uncharacteristically miss the target when well placed.
Sam Carey then saw his header from a corner go narrowly over and Dugmore's powerful strike was deflected wide.

Spa kept plugging away and eventually broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when a Hurdman corner was met by the head of Dugmore for a trademark goal.

The game was flowing in a single direction as the hosts offered no threat in the Droitwich half, and just two minutes later Hurdman's attempt didn't trouble Wood, however the home stopper was made to produce a fine save to deny the same player on 30 minutes, when one-on-one.

More chances came and went for Dugmore, Moss, Hurdman and Binner, and Hurdman should have doubled Spa's advantage moments before half time but once again Darby Wood raced off his line to block his shot. Then Moss, with the whole goal to aim and a few yards out blazed his shot over.

Most in the crowd, which was dominated by Droitwich supporters, expected Spa to open the host's floodgates, however a much more disciplined and well organised Carterton not only nulified the away side's threat, but could have equalised in the opening exchanges of the second half with some bold forward play.

Both Nick Rose and Cian Fitzgerald called Rogerson into action, however Droitwich had opportunities of their own for Moss, Hurdman, Carey, Dugmore and substitutes James Lemon and Charlie Tilley.
Wood was only troubled by another flying Dugmore header, that the home 'keeper did well to tip over the bar.

Spa stamped their authority on the game in the final quarter and Wood saved well from Lemon at the near post before Dugmore headed wide from the next move, however the match official pointed to the penalty spot when Dugmore was brought down in the penalty area on 80 minutes.
Perry Moss stepped up to calmly despatch the spot kick to give Spa a 0-2 lead.

Lemon had two excellent chances to further extend Droitwich's lead before the end, but the Saltmen had to settle for a two-goal win to cap off a poor game.

The victory means that Droitwich, barring a huge swing in goal difference, have sealed a minimum 2nd place finish due to results elsewhere.
Andy Crowther's side require a maximum of 7 points from the remaining 5 games to be crowned Champions and earn promotion to Step 5 for the first time in the clubs' history.

Unfortunately, for Carterton the result at Kilkenny Lane means that they are relegated from Division 1, with two games remaining.

Droitwich's next test comes away at Kidlington Reserves on Saturday 22nd March (ko 3pm).
Kidlington are mathematically safe from the threat of relegation and ran out 2-3 winners at Chipping Sodbury on Saturday.
Then, on Tuesday 25th March (ko 7.45pm), the Saltmen visit to play-off chasing Stonehouse Town.