DROITWICH Spa made the perfect start to the New Year with a comfortable 3-0 win against OJM Black Country in their first game of 2023.
The Saltmen took the lead before half time through goals from Haydn Morris and Alex Dugmore before Connor Collins scored a second-half penalty at the King George Playing Fields in front of 360 supporters.
And the result means Droitwich sit sixth in the Midland Football League Division One table, having won their last three league matches, and are now just three points behind OJM, who occupy the final play-off spot, with a game in hand.
It was a case of defences on top for much of the first half as OJM shaded possession with Matt Oliver forced into a couple of routine saves in the Spa goal.
Andy Crowther’s side struggled to create chances in the opening period with James Lemon going closest before the deadlock was broken on 34 minutes.
Morris was on hand to stoop low and head home at the back post in front of his marker after a deep cross from the right evaded Lemon in the box.
The visitors went close to an equaliser when Casey Collins flashed an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.
However, Spa doubled their lead courtesy of Dugmore’s powerful strike from close range to put the Saltmen in command at the break.
OJM were made to rue another missed chance early in the second period when Collins fired wide when well-placed.
And Spa put the game to bed when Collins, who returned from a two-month injury layoff, expertly finished from the penalty spot after substitute Ollie Thompson was brought down in the area.
The visitors almost grabbed a consolation late on when a thumping shot from 25-yards out took two deflections before coming back off the crossbar
Droitwich are next in action away at Coton Green on Saturday, January 7 with kick-off at 3pm at New Mill Lane.
