JAMES Lemon scored a brace to ensure Droitwich Spa returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Ingles despite Cory Rudd’s second-half red card.
Lemon’s early goal put Droitwich in command before the Spa skipper doubled the Saltmen’s lead minutes after Rudd was shown a straight red card at the King George Playing Fields in front of over 250 spectators.
The result means Droitwich sit seventh in the Midland Football League Division One table whilst goalkeeper Matt Oliver marked his 250th appearance for the club in style with a clean sheet.
And Spa took the lead on seven minutes when Lemon turned home Alex Dugmore’s teasing cross from close range.
Oliver kept the Saltmen ahead when he rushed out of his goal to deny Ingles’ Luis Corcoran moments after the home side had taken the lead before the keeper thwarted him twice more later in the half.
Andy Crowther’s side almost found a second goal when Dugmore’s header cannoned back off the crossbar before both Connor Collins and Lemon saw shots saved.
However, Spa were reduced to 10-men on the hour mark after Rudd was dismissed for a strong sliding challenge on Harry Baguley.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Droitwich extended their lead on 68 minutes when Lemon headed in his second of the game at the back post before he missed a one-on-one chance to complete his hat-trick as Spa recorded a comfortable victory.
However, Spa were beaten 2-0 by Studley in the League Cup in midweek with the Bees one division higher in the pyramid.
Droitwich are next in action away at Hinckley AFC on Saturday, November 26 with kick-off at 3pm at Kirkby Road.
