SAM Hurdman’s late goal secured a crucial 2-1 win for Droitwich Spa at promotion rivals OJM Black Country as the Saltmen secured a fifth straight win in all competitions.
Hurdman came off the bench to score the winner after Luke Molloy’s deflected free-kick initially put Spa ahead in the first half at Lye Town’s Sports Ground.
The result means Droitwich sit sixth in the Midland Football League Division One table but with at least one game in hand on all of the teams above them.
OJM started well as Reece Morris’s pace down the right caused Spa’s makeshift defence several problems with Andy Crowther’s side content to sit back and play on the counter attack.
And after OJM wasted a number of chances, the Saltmen took the lead on 15 minutes when Molloy’s free-kick from 25-yards out took a deflection and beat OJM goalkeeper Connor Hopkins.
However, the home side levelled just five minutes later as Morris beat the offside trap before he squared the ball to Reece Jacobs who tapped home from close range.
The second half proved a cagey affair as OJM dominated the ball before Spa sprung into life when a long ball found James Lemon who chipped narrowly wide of the post from distance.
OJM spurned two glorious chances to take the lead as Bradley Maslin-Jones fired over when well-placed inside the penalty area before Alex Dugmore made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Jacobs with the home player through on goal.
And Spa were rewarded for a valiant defensive display when substitute Connor Collins flicked on a set piece and fellow sub Hurdman fired a first time effort into the bottom corner from 10-yards out.
The visitors held on to secure an invaluable three points with a superb win at their third-placed opponents.
Droitwich are next in action away at Stapenhill on Saturday, March 4 with kick-off at 3pm at Maple Grove.
