DROITWICH Spa marked their return to Division One of the West Midlands (Regional) League in style by smashing Gornal Athletic 9-1.
Playing their first league game since October 19 after their FA Vase and cup exploits, a hat-trick from Connor Collins, plus two goals from Ben Tilbury and one apiece from Matty Hunt, Mike Seeley, James Lemon and Bradley Burgess eased the Saltmen to the biggest win this season.
“In the first half we were fantastic and had a five-goal lead at the break,” said manager Mark Owen.
“We were slack in the second half at the start, but we eventually recovered.
“It was disappointing to concede, but it was a fantastic free-kick from them so I can’t have too many complaints.
“It was just a case of knowing that the game was won and making sure we managed it correctly. I thought we did that in the last 25 minutes to get back into the game.
“There was a 20-minute window at the start of the second half which was disappointing but you’ve got to be pleased with the end result.”
One of the most valuable facets to Spa’s game is undoubtedly scoring goals, with 32 coming from just seven league games.
With the usual suspects Collins and Lemon adding to two goals apiece from the midfield and defence on Saturday, the Saltmen have a positive goal difference of 23, despite having played a fewer number of games than the sides around them.
Owen added: “In terms of our goals for and against averages, we’re top of that with games in hand, so we’ve got to be happy with that return after playing less games due to the commitments of the FA Vase.”
A trip to sixth-placed Team Dudley awaits on Saturday (3pm), with the Saltmen in fifth and capable of moving up a place this weekend due to fourth-placed Old Wulfrunians being on Birmingham Saturday Vase duty.
With a full-strength squad available for the trip to the Black Country, the Droitwich boss is hopeful of further success.
“I’m not sure what the weather will be like, but we know the game will definitely be on on their 3G pitch,” Owen said.
“It’s fifth versus sixth, but as I keep saying, we’ve got to approach every game with the same attitude and show the same quality in the side.”
