DROITWICH Spa saw their six-game winning run at home in the league come to an end following a 1-1 draw against Tuffley Rovers.
The Saltmen took the lead courtesy of Jay Sauntson’s close-range finish only for Kieran Alder’s strike to draw the visitors level after the break at the King George Playing Fields.
And the result means Droitwich sit third in the Hellenic League Premier Division table, four points behind leaders Slimbridge who have a game in-hand.
Andy Crowther took charge of Spa for the 199th time while goalkeeper Joe Stockton made his debut in goal in his second spell with the club.
Stockton made a comfortable save early on as he kept out Alder’s driven effort from just inside the penalty area.
Spa responded with a chance of their own on the quarter-hour mark when Sam Hurdman glanced a header wide.
And the home side went close moments later when Josh Hurdman and James Lemon exchanged passes as the former forced Tuffley goalkeeper Robin Hoffland into a crucial save.
The teams continued to trade chances as Tuffley’s Harry Mustoe headed narrowly wide from close range.
Stockton then punched a corner to safety before keeping out another dangerous ball into the box as the visitors pushed for the opening goal.
And Hoffland punched a corner clear at the other end from under his own crossbar before Stockton superbly denied Macaulay Herbert from close range.
The first half remained an end-to-end contest as Hoffland tipped J Hurdman’s dipping shot over the crossbar.
And Droitwich eventually broke the deadlock on 36 minutes when Sauntson poked home from close range following a corner.
Spa almost doubled their lead after the break as Cory Rudd’s effort from 20-yards out flashed inches past the top corner.
However, Tuffley drew level on 62 minutes when Alder curled a first time shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the penalty area.
And Stockton made a crucial save minutes later to deny Karnell Chambers when one-on-one.
Spa responded with a chance of their own as Hoffland held Lemon’s powerful first time effort.
The home side continued to push for a winner as Soms Sibanda headed Charlie Tilley’s cross narrowly wide of the post.
However, neither side could strike again as the game ended all square.
Droitwich are next in action against Fairford Town on Saturday, December 6 with kick-off at 3pm at Cinder Lane.
