Gornal Athletic 2-5 Droitwich Spa

Droitwich Spa are off and running in the West Midlands Regional League Division 1 this season after a comfortable 5-2 victory at Gornal Athletic to bounce back from their opening day defeat.

The Saltmen started the game well and it wasn't long before the chances started to materials. Haydn Morris, Ben Tilbury, James Lemon and Connor Collins all had efforts with hitting the back of the net.

At the other end, it was another nervy opening half hour for the Spa back-line but they repelled most of the threat with Matt Oliver's goal rarely troubled.

The opening goal arrived on 19 minutes as Connor Collins finished well from close range to open his account for Spa.

Gornal responded positively and within 15 minutes they were level with a wonder goal courtesy of Ryan Piggott - the striker unleashing a perfect first-time volley from the edge of the area which left Oliver clasping at thin air.

Droitwich were back in front 10 minutes before half time and what a strike it was. Connor Collins with a sublime 25-yard free-kick which wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premier League! It gave Will Burrows in the Peacocks's goal no chance as it flew into the top corner.

Spa extended their lead after 10 minutes of the restart and Connor Collins completed his hat-trick when through one-on-one with Burrows after good work from Lemon.

They then put the game out of reach as James Lemon got on the score-sheet before Gornal's Matt Martin saw a straight red card for an elbow on Haydn Morris.

James Lemon got his second of the game and Spa's 5th, however the visitors should have been more convincing winners as substitute Jack Davies drew 2 fine saves from Burrows whilst Lemon, Connor Collins, Lewis Phillips and Ben Tilbury all should have hit the target but were once again denied by Burrows.

Gornal got a consolation goal with 10 minutes remaining - Matt Oliver saved Ryan Piggott's penalty but Piggott was first to the rebound to make the final score 2-5.