ALEX Dugmore scored twice as Droitwich Spa came from behind to draw 3-3 with Smethwick Rangers in a thrilling contest.
Alex Dugmore put Spa ahead early on and then drew the home side level later in the half before Scott Braiden-Smith headed in a late equaliser with Adam Nazir netting a hat-trick for Smethwick at the King George Playing Fields.
The result means Droitwich sit fifth in the Midland Football League Division One table.
And Spa made a blistering start when Dugmore cut through the visiting defence and finished well after just three minutes.
However, Spa were forced to replace both Perry Moss and Jake Whitehouse inside the opening 20 minutes due to injury.
And Smethwick drew level when Nazir dribbled his way across the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike on the turn into the bottom corner.
Droitwich responded as Connor Collins went close before Braiden-Smith’s header just missed the target from a set-piece.
However, Smethwick completed the turnaround when Nazir capitalised on some hesitant defending to head over Matt Oliver in the Spa goal from close range.
Andy Crowther’s side pressed for an equaliser as Ben Cowlishaw saw a chipped effort cleared off the line with the keeper beaten before Luke Molly fired narrowly wide.
Oliver kept Droitwich in the game with a smart save soon after before Dugmore doubled his tally for the game on 40 minutes when he headed home fro Luke Molloy’s cross.
However, parity was restored for all five minutes when Spa substitute Tom Smith gave away a penalty which allowed Nazir to complete his treble from the spot as he sent Oliver the wrong way.
The Saltmen were on top at the start of the second period as Molloy, Collins and Dugmore all went close whilst Collins also had an overhead kick saved by the Smethwick goalkeeper.
And Droitwich drew level on 75 minutes when Braiden-Smith headed in at the back post to set up an exciting finish.
Spa thought they had won the game when James Lemon’s blocked effort looked to have crossed the line with the keeper beaten only for the referee wave play on without consulting his assistant.
And Droitwich should have clinched the points at the death when they created a three on two break only for Lemon to scoop his shot over the bar from close range with the goal at his mercy from Collins’ square pass.
Droitwich are next in action away at Coventry Copsewood on Saturday, October 15 with kick-off at 3pm at Copsewood Sports and Social Club.
