Spa travelled to the north Bristol suburbs on Saturday for a league fixture against Cribbs FC looking for a good result to help strengthen their position at the top of the table.

The Saltmen started the game positively on a bright but blustery afternoon.
Within 7 minutes Spa created the game’s first moment of danger when Nathan Binner’s deflected shot drew a save from Godden in the Cribbs goal.
However, three minutes later they took a deserved lead. The pacy Joe Hurdman broke free down the Spa left side. His teasing cross was palmed away by Godden but only as far as Droitwich number 8 Charlie Tilley who struck the ball home with authority from around 12 yards. On 12 minutes, Binner came close again, his cross goal effort, following more smart play from Joe Hurdman.

On 15 minutes we were very nearly treated to another Cory Rudd special but his ferocious strike from outside the box hit the angle of post and crossbar before rebounding to safety.

Then on 20 minutes the Saltmen believed they had doubled their lead through Joe Hurdman but, much to the ire of the travelling Droitwich supporters, James Lemon was adjudged to have fouled Cribbs’ Crouch in the build up.

Droitwich were in dominant form, with Dom Rogerson restricted to gathering the occasional back-pass. But they couldn’t find the second goal their attacking play surely deserved. On 28 minutes Joe Clayton’s cross found Lemon but the Spa skipper couldn’t get quite enough on the ball to convert the opportunity.

Then on the 40 minute mark, Cribbs equalised as George Kellow rose highest to head home a corner. The phrase “against the run of play” may have been written just for this moment.

So half time arrived with the scores level at one all. And it was the hosts who started the second half the quickest. A great chance fell to Jayden Neal after 5 minutes but his effort cleared the bar.
Spa manager Andy Crowther, then rang the changes, first by replacing Joe Hurdman with brother Josh.

On 65 minutes, Godden did well to turn an awkwardly bouncing Rudd free kick round the post.

The resting Alex Dugmore was introduced to the action, replacing the unlucky Perry Moss. With two up front, the Droitwich attack became more direct.

There was still time for Spa to have another seemingly good goal disallowed. Dugmore's disbelief led to his return to the side-lines under cover of a sin binning.

Cribbs keeper Godden completed a fine game making a couple more good saves to ensure the Saltmen remained frustrated until the final whistle.

Some will see this as two points dropped and the balance of play might support this. Nevertheless, it may turn out to be a point gained come the end of the season.

Spa return to action against 5th placed Corsham on Saturday (ko 3pm), at Kingy's, beginning a run of 5 consecutive home fixtures.