DROITWICH Spa made a losing start to the season despite a valiant second-half fightback in a 3-2 defeat against Hinckley AFC.
Andy Crowther’s side looked down and out after Hinckley moved into a three-goal lead in the early stages of the second half at Kirkby Road.
However, the Saltmen showed great spirit to reduce the deficit to a single goal although a Connor Collins penalty and Charlie Tilley’s late goal proved in vain.
The result means Droitwich sit 14th in the Midland Football League Division One table after one fixture.
Spa made the worst possible start to the season as Hinckley striker Johnny Johnston broke the deadlock inside the first minute.
And Hinckley doubled their lead early in the second period on 49 minutes as Ben Whitehead fired home from close range after Matt Dawson’s low drive was parried into the scorer’s path.
The home side extended their lead soon after as Joe Obi found the net with a fine finish from the edge of the penalty area.
However, Droitwich pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Collins just past the hour mark after Perry Moss went down in the area under a challenge from Dawson.
The Saltmen further reduced the deficit with two minutes left to play as Tilley finished from close range to set up a grandstand finish although Spa were unable to find an equaliser.
Droitwich are next in action at home to Bilston Town Community on Tuesday, August 8 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the King George Playing Fields.
