DROITWICH Spa were held to a 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Saracens after conceding a late penalty on a frustrating afternoon for the home side.
The Saltmen took the lead courtesy of Perry Moss’s first-half goal only for Oakley James to equalise from the penalty spot for the visitors at the King George Playing Fields.
And the result means Spa remain seven points clear at the top of the Hellenic League Division One table, although second-placed Abingdon United have a game in-hand.
Droitwich went close early on as Alex Dugmore flicked a header narrowly over the crossbar.
However, Andy Crowther’s side broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Saracens goalkeeper Harvey Need could only parry Josh Hurdman’s shot into the path of Moss who tapped home from close range.
Cheltenham almost drew level straight from the restart as Lucas Price rode a number of challenges only for Dom Rogerson to make a crucial save with his legs.
Spa saw two penalty shouts turned away by the referee with Moss pulled back in the box and Dugmore grounded in the area midway through the first half.
Saracens stopper Need then denied Charlie Tilley from close range with the latter making his 150th appearance for Droitwich.
Another chance came and went with Lewis Phillips unable to find a way past Need as Spa went into the break with a narrow lead.
Spa remained on the front foot after the interval as Need again denied Phillips before Tilley saw another penalty appeal turned down by the referee.
And with Droitwich unable to extend their lead, Cheltenham equalised on 75 minutes as James sent Rogerson the wrong way from the spot after the referee penalised Jay Sauntson for a foul on Price in the box.
The visitors looked to complete the turnaround soon after with Rogerson alert to keep out Coby Handley’s driven effort.
Spa forced a flurry of corners as Need made a fine one-handed save to tip Hurdman’s attempt over the crossbar.
And the Saltmen almost won the game at the death as Sauntson thumped a shot against the crossbar
Droitwich are next in against Westfields in the Marsh Challenge Cup on Tuesday, February 11 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the King George Playing Fields.
