DROITWICH Spa dropped points for the first time this season following a 1-1 draw with Abingdon United as both teams finished the game with 10-men.
The Saltmen took the lead through Lucas Edmonds’ goal on 15 minutes only for Nathan Binner to receive a straight red card just before the half-hour mark.
However, the home side lost Harry Sampford to a red card on 80 minutes before Joe Green struck in injury time to bring an end to Spa’s perfect start to the season at Northcourt Road.
The result means Droitwich remain top of the Hellenic League Division One table, five points clear of closest challengers Redditch Borough.
Andy Crowther’s depleted side made a bright start as Abingdon goalkeeper Eddie Cavanagh pushed Charlie Tilley’s early effort around the post before Jack Brighton headed the resulting corner narrowly wide.
Spa broke the deadlock on the quarter-hour mark when Edmonds drove with the ball from just inside the Abingdon half and beat three players on his way into the box before superbly finishing past Cavanagh.
However, the game turned on 26 minutes as Binner was shown a red card after sliding in for a challenge which the referee deemed dangerous much to the bemusement of the travelling Spa supporters.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Spa remained on top with Abingdon unable to test Dom Rogerson in the Droitwich goal before the break.
The Saltmen sat back and attempted to absorb pressure in the second period, looking to hit Abingdon on the counter attack.
And Spa’s approach almost paid off when new signing Kyonn Evans teed up Edmonds who saw his venomous shot from 30-yards out tipped over the crossbar by Cavanagh.
Abingdon almost drew level as Josh Jones’ cross-shot came back off the crossbar before Rogerson kept out Casey Highmoor’s powerful strike.
However, the home side saw their momentum halted when Sampford picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Evans.
There was still time for one final twist with as Green forced the ball home in injury time from close range after Rogerson could only parry an initial cross.
The Spa keeper felt he had two hands on the ball before Green kicked it out of his grasp with the referee only awarding the goal after consulting with his assistant.
Droitwich are next in action against divisional rivals Bewdley Town in FA Vase Second Round Qualifying on Saturday, September 21 with kick-off at 3pm at Ribbesford Meadows.
