DROITWICH Spa slipped to a late 3-2 defeat away at play-off hopefuls Tuffley Rovers in a blow to the club’s title hopes.
Tuffley raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of a brace from Karnell Chambers before Cory Rudd halved the deficit and Ben Tilbury levelled the game after the break at Glevum Park.
However, a late goal from Harley Mustoe condemned Spa to a sixth league defeat of the season to dent the Saltmen’s title challenge.
Andy Crowther’s side could have taken the lead inside the first 20 seconds as Perry Moss headed James Baldwin’s cross narrowly wide.
However, Tuffley broke the deadlock on 13 minutes when Chambers produced an emphatic finish from close range after Spa failed to properly clear their lines.
The home side went close again minutes later as Kieran Alder spurned a glorious chance to double Tuffley’s lead with only Droitwich goalkeeper Joe Stockton to beat.
Tuffley eventually extended their lead on 18 minutes when Chambers intercepted Jay Sauntson’s stray pass and raced clear of the Spa defence to score.
However, Droitwich halved the deficit on 29 minutes as Rudd looped Binner’s corner into the net with his head at the back post.
The teams traded chances after the break as Anton Robinson denied Alex Dugmore before Stockton kept out Mustoe at the other end.
Robinson kept Tuffley in front later in the half as he saved from Rudd when one-on-one after Dugmore hit the woodwork.
The Tuffley stopper also denied Charlie Tilley with an acrobatic stop before Tilbury eventually blasted Spa level on 69 minutes with a controlled finish from 20-yards out.
However, the home side stole the points six minutes later as Mustoe headed in from a free-kick which left Stockton with no chance.
Spa almost drew level at the death only for Tilley to see his effort ruled out for offside.
