DROITWICH Spa lost away from home in the league for the first time this season following a 1-0 defeat at play-off chasing Clanfield 85.
A late penalty from Tyger Hall saw Spa’s seven-game winning run in the league come to an end at Radcot Road.
And the Saltmen had substitute Jack Bighton sent off in injury time for an alleged stamp on Clanfield’s Jordan Cavender.
The defeat also marked the first game Spa have failed to score in all season in any competition.
Droitwich have already sealed the league title and promotion as champions and lead second-placed Redditich Borough by 11 points at the top of the Hellenic League Division One table.
Clanfield went close early on as Jozef Fullerton’s strike deflected wide before Woody Casciaro missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock from the resulting corner.
Andy Crowther’s side responded with a chance of their own as Josh Hurdman chipped a shot over the crossbar.
Spa goalkeeper Dom Rogerson then produced a fine save to keep out Finn Baker’s effort from close range.
A strong challenge on the halfway line forced the Saltmen into a change after just 25 minutes as James Lemon replaced an injured Perry Moss.
From the resulting free-kick, Lemon flicked the ball onto the head of Alex Dugmore who saw his effort come back off the post.
And Spa had another chance before the end of the first half as Cory Rudd fired a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area well over the crossbar.
Droitwich went close again after the break as Josh Hurdman curled a free-kick the wrong side of the post.
And Clanfield goalkeeper Luke Haley then held Nathan Binner’s attempted chip.
The home side responded with a couple of chances of their own as Hall fired wide before Rogerson reacted sharply to tip a low free-kick around the post.
Spa survived a flurry of corners before Hurdman almost scored on the counter attack only for Haley to make a save low down.
However, Clanfield eventually broke the deadlock on 81 minutes when Hall scored from the penalty spot after the referee penalised Jay Sauntson for a foul in the box.
The Saltmen went in search of a late equaliser as Hurdman forced Haley into a crucial stop with Lemon unable to force home the follow-up.
Tensions boiled over in injury time as Brighton saw red for an alleged stamp on Cavender as Spa lost an away league game for the first time since March last year.
Droitwich finish the season with a home game against Tytherington Rocks on Saturday, April 12 with kick-off at 3pm at the King George Playing Fields.
