LUKE Molloy’s stunning free-kick helped Droitwich Spa to a 2-0 win away at struggling Smethwick Rangers as the Saltmen maintained their play-off push with a crucial victory.
Molloy’s stunner sealed the points after Connor Collins opened the scoring from the penalty spot as Spa continued their fine recent form with two first-half goals at The Beeches.
The result means Droitwich sit sixth in the Midland Football League Division One table with at least one game in hand on all of the teams above them.
Despite not having played for a fortnight, Spa made a quick start and took the lead when Collins sent Rangers goalkeeper Lewis Riley the wrong way from the spot after James Lemon was fouled in the box by Smethwick captain Jordan Ambris.
The Saltmen played direct football to great effect in the first half as Lemon almost added a second when his curling shot from a tight angle was well-saved by Riley.
And Spa doubled their lead in style when Molloy fired a free-kick into the top corner from 20-yards out to leave Smethwick keeper Riley with no chance.
The visitors almost added a third goal in the second half when a low cross from the right just evaded the touch of both Collins and Lemon as the pair charged into the box.
And Spa thought they had extended their lead when Lemon out the ball in the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after Connor Baker beat the offside trap and squared the ball to his captain.
Dom Rogerson was rarely tested in the Spa goal whilst Andy Crowther handed a first team debut to Aston Amies from the bench and Sam Hurdman returned following an injury lay-off.
Droitwich are next in action at home to Chelmsley Town on Saturday, February 25 with kick-off at 3pm at the King George Playing Fields.
