Droitwich Spa produced a superb second-half performance to run out 4–1 winners over Malmesbury Victoria, with four goals after the interval turning what had been a closely contested opening 45 minutes into an emphatic victory.
Spa's good form continues and Qirntin Townsend's men have now lost just once in the last five outings.

The visitors made the brighter start and caused the Saltmen problems during the opening exchanges. Samuel Francis went desperately close after just six minutes, his free-kick flashing narrowly wide of the post, before Spa surrendered possession in a dangerous area two minutes later, although Gabe Costello was unable to capitalise.

Malmesbury continued to look the more threatening of the two sides early on.
On 13 minutes, Otis Lewis capitalized on Curtis Smith and Sam Carey's indecision to create another opportunity, only for some hesitation in front of goal and a last-ditch Spa block to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.

Droitwich gradually began to settle into the contest and created their first real opening after 21 minutes. George Dalton did well to wrong-foot his marker before forcing goalkeeper Pickering into a save at his near post.

The game became more evenly balanced as the half progressed.
Charlie Warren volleyed wide for Malmesbury on 33 minutes after Spa failed to clear their lines, but three minutes later Perry Moss almost broke the deadlock at the other end. His well-struck volley brought an excellent save from Pickering, with Carey firing over following the resulting corner.

Samuel Francis should have given Vics the lead when just a couple of yards out he headed the ball into the ground and Rogerson was relieved to see a huge chance bounce over the crossbar.

At the other end Pickering was becoming increasingly important for the visitors.
He denied another Spa opportunity on 44 minutes when Moss wriggled his way through the defence and the Vics stopper saved with his legs.

Despite an uncertain opening, the Saltmen had finished the half strongly and went into the interval with the scores level at 0–0.

Droitwich emerged for the second half with much greater intensity and immediately put Malmesbury under pressure.
Within a minute of the restart, James Lemon was involved in a dangerous move which saw Pickering make another fine save before Alex Dugmore’s follow-up was blocked on the line and Lemon headed wide.

The pressure eventually told in the 54th minute.
A neatly worked free-kick from Moss found James Lemon, who produced a composed finish from around 12 yards to give the Saltmen the lead.

Malmesbury responded well to falling behind and enjoyed a spell of possession. Their response was rewarded five minutes later when a deep cross from the right picked out Evatt, whose close-range header found the net despite the efforts of Droitwich goalkeeper Rogerson.

At 1–1, the contest appeared finely poised, but Droitwich quickly wrestled back control.
Just four minutes later, George Dalton reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly found the bottom corner to restore the home side’s advantage at 2–1.

It proved to be Dalton’s final contribution, with Haydn Morris replacing him shortly afterwards, while Edward Bridge was introduced in place of Lemon on 70 minutes.

Rather than sitting on their lead, the Saltmen continued to push forward. Moss remained at the heart of much of their attacking play and created another opportunity on 73 minutes, his good work allowing Bridge to send a brave header narrowly wide.

Pickering then produced arguably his best save of the afternoon on 79 minutes. Moss’ free-kick travelled through a crowded penalty area and the Malmesbury goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to get down and palm the ball away, with Bridge unable to convert the rebound.

The 16-year-old would not have to wait much longer.
In the 82nd minute, Dugmore showed excellent determination to muscle his way onto the ball before putting the chance on a plate for Edward Bridge, who finished to score his first senior goal and give Droitwich a commanding 3–1 advantage.

It was a memorable moment for the youngster and effectively ended Malmesbury’s hopes of taking anything from the game.

There was still time for the Saltmen to add a fourth as Sam Carey struck in the 94th minute with a powerful header to round off an excellent second half display and complete a 4–1 victory.

Droitwich turn their attentions to the Worcestershire Senior Cup on Tuesday evening (ko 7.45pm) with a short trip to Step 4 side Sporting Club Inkberrow, and return to Kingy's on Saturday against Cribbs (ko 3pm).