JOSH Hurdman’s last-minute goal earned Droitwich Spa a deserved 1-0 victory on the road at 10-man Paget Rangers as the Saltmen recorded their first away win of the season.
Hurdman showed great composure to secure the points at the death after Paget captain Jai Berry saw red 10 minutes from time at Coles Lane.
The result means Droitwich sit 10th in the Midland Football League Division One table.
Spa were on top throughout as Perry Moss fired over well when well-placed early on before J Hurdman’s low shot went narrowly wide of the post.
Defender Lewis Phillips was next to try his luck as Paget goalkeeper Lewis Riley made a comfortable save.
The visitors should have taken the lead on 20 minutes when Moss raced through only to shoot straight at Riley with Roland Krol square waiting for a tap in.
And despite a raft of chances coming Spa’s way, Andy Crowther’s side were unable to find a way through as the teams went into the break level.
The Saltmen continued to pressure the Paget goal in the second half as J Hurdman shot wide before Moss saw an effort cleared off the line after he was sent clear by substitute James Lemon.
Paget keeper Riley made a number of crucial saves throughout as he tipped Josh Hurdman’s curling effort behind with the ball destined for the bottom corner.
Rangers captain Berry saw red on 80 minutes to boost Droitwich’s chances only for Riley to make two stunning saves from point blank range to keep the scores level as Lemon and Charlie Tilley were both denied.
And Tilley saw another effort saved by Riley who somehow kept out the midfielder’s fierce volley at the near post before J Hurdman shot over when well-placed soon after.
However, Spa’s pressure finally told in the final minute as J Hurdman beat a couple of defenders before rounding Riley and coolly slotting home into an empty net.
Droitwich are next in action at home to Cradley Town on Tuesday, August 22 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the King George Playing Fields.
