DROITWICH Spa exited the Marsh Challenge Cup at the fourth round stage after slipping to a 2-1 defeat away at Tuffley Rovers.
Goals from Kieran Alder and Karnell Chambers put Tuffley in command before substitute Alex Dugmore halved the deficit for Spa at Glevum Park.
Saltmen boss Andy Crowther rotated his squad for the cup tie as Spa faced Tuffley for the second time in three matches.
Spa went close early on as Curtis Smith saw his effort deflect into the arms of Tuffley goalkeeper Alex Hammond.
At the other end, Droitwich goalkeeper Joe Stockton denied Alder the opening goal with a save from point-blank range with his legs.
However, Tuffley eventually broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Alder produced an emphatic finish when one-on-one with Stockton after a through ball split open the Spa defence.
The visitors almost drew level moments later as Soms Sibanda flicked an effort inches past the post.
However, the home side doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Chambers scored a fine solo goal to leave Spa with a mountain to climb.
Tuffley almost extended their lead only for Charlie Tilley to clear another Chambers effort off the line with Stockton beaten.
Spa reduced the deficit four minutes from time when Dugmore touched home Josh Hurdman’s initial effort which came back off the post.
However, Crowther’s side could not find an equaliser in the remaining minutes to exit the competition.
Droitwich are next in action against Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday, December 20 with kick-off at 3pm at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.
