DROITWICH Spa joint-boss Wayne Oliver says his squad deserved their success after securing promotion from Midland League Division Two at the weekend.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Paget Rangers four days prior to Saturday’s clash against Alvis Sporting Club, the Saltmen knew all they needed was a point to guarantee a top two finish.
But things looked to be going against Oliver’s and Mark Owen’s men when Corrie Powell gave Alvis a 42nd-minute lead.
However, in the third minute of second half stoppage time striker James Lemon, who has missed the majority of this season through injury, netted the history-making equaliser which sent the Spa faithful among the 268 strong crowd into sheer elation.
“I thought it was going to be one of those days because we had lots of chances but could not find the back of the net,” Oliver said.
“We dominated the game but it was a case of the same old story as we were wasting clear-cut chances.
“It looked as though the game was going to peter out but James has got on the end of Max Crisp’s cross to get the equaliser.
“It was quite fitting for James to get the important goal because he has been plagued by injury throughout this season.
“The fans were fantastic and the players deserve the success because they have taken everything we have said on board and worked hard.”
Spa are now waiting to here back from the Midland League committee before making an official announcement on who they will be ground-sharing with next season in Division One.
When Oliver and fellow joint-boss Owen joined Spa in October 2014, the duo put in place a five-year plan to help the Saltmen secure promotion.
But to have secured their target in just over two-and-a-half seasons has left Oliver over the moon.
“Now that we have secured promotion it’s a case of starting the five-year cycle all over again,” he added.
“To have reached our target in just under three years is outstanding but our main aim now will be to stay in the first division.
“It’s all down to the players’ attitude and application that we achieved this success.”
