DROITWICH Spa’s title hopes took a blow following a 2-2 draw against bottom side Lydney Town in midweek.
Spa twice fell behind against the division’s basement club as James Baldwin and Alex Dugmore struck to rescue a point for the Saltmen at the King George Playing Fields.
The result means Droitwich slip to third in the Hellenic League Premier Division table, five points behind league leaders Slimbridge.
Spa survived an early scare as Ibrahim Olateju failed to find the net from close range.
However, the visitors stunned Andy Crowther’s side on 14 minutes when Jordi Sheen scored a sublime overhead kick to leave Joe Stockton with no chance.
Spa searched for an equaliser as Cory Rudd shot narrowly wide before the same player forced Alex Causon into a smart save.
And Jay Sauntson then saw his effort cleared off the line while Dugmore and Charlie Tilley caused plenty of problems for the Lydney defence to no avail.
Tilley scuffed a volley moments before the break as Spa trailed by a single goal at the interval.
However, the Saltmen eventually drew level on 56 minutes when Baldwin’s cross-shot slipped through the hands of Causon in torrential conditions.
Spa looked to take the lead moments later as Dugmore saw his header saved while Rohan Levy headed over the crossbar.
However, Lydney won a contentious penalty 10 minutes from time when Olatejo went to ground in the box under a challenge from Levy.
And Olatejo sent the resulting penalty down the middle of the goal to put Lydney back in front.
Spa quickly found an equaliser when Dugmore headed in Baldwin’s cross as the Saltmen drew level for a second time.
However, despite chances at both ends, the game ended all square in a blow to Spa’s title hopes.
Droitwich are next in action against Hereford Pegasus in the final of the Challenge Cup on Sunday, March 29 with kick-off at 4.30pm at Old School Lane.
