CONNOR Collins scored a hat-trick as Droitwich Spa strengthened their grip on a play-off place with a 4-2 win against Shawbury United.
Collins struck twice in the first half before completing his hat-trick after the break with Perry Moss also on target at the King George Playing Fields.
That came after Droitwich battled to a 2-1 victory at 10-man Bilston Town two days earlier as James Lemon and Alex Dugmore both found the net at Queen Street.
The results mean Spa sit third in the Midland Football League Division One table.
Against Shawbury, Droitwich opened the scoring after just three minutes when Collins converted from the penalty spot after Charlie Tilley drew a foul in the box.
And the Saltmen doubled their lead on 38 minutes as Moss beat Shawbury’s Ben Jones to a through ball and rounded Max Williams before finishing into an empty net.
The home side all but sealed the points on the stroke of half time when Collins tapped in Luke Molloy’s square pass.
Shawbury reduced the deficit from the restart as Jack Howse’s powerful low drive from distance nestled in the bottom corner.
However, Spa put the game to bed five minutes after the break when Williams brought down Lemon in the box and Collins scored his second penalty of the game to complete his hat-trick.
The visitors struck again on the hour mark as Eric Mensah powered the ball home via the aid of the post from 25-yards out.
That came after Droitwich secured a hard-fought win at Bilston despite falling behind to Sam Yankson’s goal from close range on 13 minutes.
However, Spa restored parity just five minutes later when Lemon’s superb first time effort from the edge of the penalty area flew into the top corner.
Bilston then had Lee Wood sent off for a two-footed challenge on Cory Rudd before Dugmore completed the comeback with a header from a corner on 70 minutes.
Droitwich are next in action at home to Allscott Heath on Thursday, April 4 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Kingy’s.
