WAYNE OLIVER expressed his delight after his Droitwich Spa players put on a strong show in their pre-season friendly against rivals Bromsgrove Sporting.
The Saltmen proved to be a tough nut to crack on Saturday as they repelled the majority of Sporting’s attacks before they were eventually broken down in the 66th minute when Chris Lloyd smashed home from the edge of the area.
Despite Jack Wilson and Chris Conway adding further goals for Sporting, Spa managed to get their just-rewards with the last kick of the game when James Ward netted after some fabulous link up play between James Lemon and Haydn Morris.
Spa have now lost their opening two friendlies but joint-boss Oliver said he could not fault the efforts of his players over the weekend.
“It was just a brilliant performance from our lads. I said to the players before the game if we can stay in the game for 70 minutes that would be ideal and we reached that target,” he said.
“Bromsgrove capitalised on our tired legs and mistakes and that was the difference between the two sides but overall I am very happy with the performance.
“We had our own chances to score before they took the lead and we did not take them but pre-season is all about getting miles in the legs and it was a great exercise for us.
“I was really impressed with our new signing Aston Gunter. He played really well and even though he’s a winger, he knows where the back of the net is and maybe we can utilise him as a striker.”
Droitwich return to the King George Playing Fields on Saturday when they welcome Malvern Town Reserves before entertaining Darlaston Town on Wednesday night.
Spa then complete their pre-season schedule on Saturday, July 30 at Pershore Town.
“Over the course of the next two friendlies we will be looking to add more minutes to our legs, if we can last 75 or 80 minutes on Saturday and then push a little more at Darlaston that will be pleasing enough for me,” Oliver added.
“I’ll be wanting the players to have another quick start and to set a high tempo and then we’ll see how long the legs can last.
“There’s still plenty of time until the season starts and we’ll be taking positives from all the friendlies we have.
“We’ll be sticking to a game plan in those games but mistakes and results are nothing to worry about right now, they can be ironed out in time for the new season.”
