DROITWICH Spa Men’s Firsts made the short trip to Aston University to take on early Warwick Printing League West Midlands Division One pacesetters West Bromwich where they were edged out 4-3.
Spa started the game strongly and quickly exposed West Brom’s slow start with two goals in the opening 20 minutes thanks to Tommy Ross’ flick from a penalty corner and Marcus Claytor’s solo effort.
However, the hosts responded quickly as they scored four of their own, with the Baggies’ leading marksman Paul Compaton bagging a brace.
Spa showed they could score with the free-scoring home side as a fine passing move between Simon Baines and Adam James set up Claytor to grab his second and Spa’s third goal of the afternoon.
Captain Simon Baines said: “The side looked stronger today and I thought that we were unlucky not to take a point, possibly all three after we raced into a 2-0 lead.
“This has shown we can contend and be competitive with the top teams in the league which is exciting to see and this is being built upon by the youngsters in the team.
“Our next game against Wolverhampton will provide another stern test as they are a side who were relegated last year from the West Midland Premier Division but are up there with West Bromwich who are unbeaten and are yet to concede a goal.
“The key to the game will be us trying to tighten the defensive aspect of our game as we undoubtedly have the firepower to beat teams this season.”
Spa’s home clash against Wolverhampton starts at 12pm.
The Men’s Seconds picked up their first points in West Midlands Division Two as they claimed a 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton.
Spa started quickly, attacking their opponents from the start which appeared to rattle the visitors as they conceded two goals in each half.
Barry Williams opened the scoring for Spa followed by a strike from Pete Best which doubled the lead.
Despite dominating much of the ball, a misplaced pass allowed Wolverhampton to capitalise in midfield before launching a swift counterattack which they scored from.
After the break, Spa looked to build on their lead and did exactly that as Williams added his second and Spa’s third goal of the proceedings.
Peter Prendiville wasted a chance midway through the first half to make it 4-1 after Wolverhampton were reduced to nine men after failing to retreat from a free hit which failed to hit the target.
Once back at full strength, Wolves had more of the possession but lacked the cutting edge to find a way back into the game as Spa’s defence continued to win a number of penalty corners.
And those penalty corners eventually lead to Spa’s fourth foal as Nick Batters slotted home.
Spa travel to Wednesbury on Saturday (2pm start).
