DROITWICH Spa suffered a late 4-3 defeat against Ashby Ivanhoe after a chaotic finish saw three goals scored in the final few minutes.
James Lemon, Jack Brighton and Sam Hurdman were all on target for Spa who suffered their first defeat in eight matches at the NFU Sports Ground.
The result means Droitwich sit eighth in the Midland Football League Division One table.
Ashby took the lead on five minutes when Sam Grouse dispossessed a Spa defender and fired beyond the onrushing Matt Oliver.
However, Spa were soon level as Lemon netted against the run of play on 11 minutes when he cut in from the left and chipped the ball over Ashby goalkeeper Tommy Dyche from a tight angle.
The Saltmen were almost punished for a defensive mistake as Spa cleared George Teeney’s effort off the line.
And Ashby reclaimed the lead when Ashley Garner pounced on some hesitant Droitwich defending, who appealed for offside, to confidently finish past Oliver.
Spa survived one further scare before the break as Grouse fired over from close range.
However, Andy Crowther’s side improved after the interval as Jack Brighton drew the Saltmen level on 70 minutes when his free-kick evaded everybody and ended up in the net.
A crazy finish ensued as Ashby substitute Will Groocock rounded Matt Oliver to put the home side ahead for the third time after he beat the offside trap.
And Ashby secured the points just one minute later when Oliver brought down Garner in the box and Grouse made no mistake from the penalty spot.
There was still time for Droitwich to score a third goal as Sam Hurdman struck from the penalty spot, after Alex Dugmore was fouled in the area, but it proved too little too late.
And Spa’s Worcestershire Senior Cup tie against Bewdley Town was called off due to a waterlogged pitch in midweek.
Droitwich are next in action at home to Ingles on Saturday, November 19 with kick-off at 3pm at the King George Playing Fields.
