DROITWICH Spa came from behind to thrash title rivals Slimbridge 4-1 and reach the Challenge Cup final.
Spa exacted revenge on Slimbridge after suffering a heavy six-nil defeat against the same opponents earlier this season.
The Saltmen scored four goals in the final 20 minutes at Thornhill Park after Slimbridge had goalkeeper Stephen Sarkodie sent off which also led to a Droitwich penalty.
A brace from Ben Tilbury and goals from Nathan Binner and Sam Hurdman booked Spa’s place in the final after Joe Shutt put the home side ahead.
Spa will play Hereford Pegasus in the Challenge Cup final on Sunday, March 29 at the KGD Stadium.
The visitors went close early on as Cory Rudd saw his effort saved by Slimbridge stopper Sarkodie.
At the other end, Droitwich goalkeeper Joe Stockton kept the home side at bay with a couple of smart saves.
However, Slimbridge broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time when Shutt controlled a cross and finished through the legs of Stockton.
The game turned after the break on 68 minutes as Sarkodie received a straight red card for a foul on James Lemon with the Spa captain through on goal.
Outfield player Owen Giles took the gloves as Tilbury scored from the penalty spot to draw Spa level with 20 minutes left to play.
And the Saltmen completed a rapid turnaround when substitute Binner finished Lemon’s pass less than a minute after Spa had equalised.
Droitwich won a second penalty on 73 minutes after Alex Dugmore drew a foul in the box.
And Tilbury scored again from the spot to grab his second of the game and give Spa a two-goal cushion.
Spa sealed their place in the final on 81 minutes when stand-in Slimbridge keeper Giles dropped a free-kick and Hurdman pounced as the visitors scored their fourth goal in the space of just 11 minutes.
Droitwich are next in action against Tuffley Rovers on Saturday, March 14 with kick-off at 3pm at Glevum Park.
