Droitwich Spa remain undefeated with win over Chipping Sodbury Town

DROITWICH SPA FC triumphed 3-1 over Chipping Sodbury Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1. 

The result saw the side remain undefeated in league competition, maintain their 100% home record, and stay top of the division. 

The home sides’ attendance of 252 was the highest of all clubs in the league, as well as sitting in the top ten for all clubs at step 6. 

Droitwich looked the stronger team in the first half. However, despite some great attacking moves, the visiting goalkeeper – Teddy Maggs – was untroubled early on. 

Both Alex Dugmore, Charlie Tilley, and James Lemon came close early on, but both were unable to convert their opportunities. 

The Saltmen maintained their early pressure and did not let up their onslaught of attacks on Chipping Sodbury’s goal. Joe Clayton came close to his first senior goal with his shot being blocked, with Tilley’s chance meeting a similar outcome. 

Droitwich were troubled against the run of play at points, but they remained defensively strong, unwilling to concede in the first half. 

The deadlock was broken as Sam Hurdman got on the end of a line-breaking pass, taking it around the keeper, before easily passing the ball into an empty net to go into half-time in the lead. 

Chipping Sudbury returned after the break reinvigorated and tested Droitwich early on in the second half. 

They would equalise on the hour mark, through a set piece. Liam Towler struck the ball from 25 yards for Town, flying past Dominic Rogerson and bringing the sides square. 

The goal was a wake-up call to Droitwich, and they regained control for the remainder of the game. 

Dugmore almost instantly regained control for the home side, pouncing on a loose ball, and sending the ensuing shot just wide. 

With ten minutes to go, The Saltmen took back the lead. Joe Hurdman played a cross into the box, which was turned in by Lemon on his 301st appearance for the club. 

Even after taking back the lead, and with three points looking likely, Droitwich did not let up the pressure. Dugmore saw a replay of his earlier chance, pouncing on a loose ball, and making no mistake the second time of asking. He slid his shot under the keeper to guarantee the three points for Andy Crowther’s side. 

With another strong scoring performance, Droitwich now have the best goals-per-game record of any side in the country – beating out 989 nonleague clubs, as well as the 92 league sides. 

Next Saturday (November 23), Droitwich travel to South Gloucestershire to face Tytherington Rocks.