This coming Saturday (ko 3pm) Droitwich Spa FC play a last home game of 2024 when they welcome Newent Town for a first ever visit to Kingy's in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1.

The two sides have experienced contrasting seasons thus far, with the Saltmen retaining top spot since the opening day of the campaign; a 2-6 win at Newent in the firsr meeting.

In contrast, "The Daffs" have struggled in the lower reaches of the table, registering one League win in four calendar months.
Newent’s turbulent season could be taking a positive turn; a 2-0 home win over Wellington & a first clean sheet last weekend saw Town move off the bottom of the table.

They haven’t won away yet, scoring 3 goals in 7 games, with one draw & 6 defeats on the road.
Over the last two away games have conceded 11 goals; a 7-0 drubbing at Abingdon was preceded by a 4-0 defeat at another relegation threatened side in Carterton. This will naturally be something that Town will want to address ahead of this weekend.

Current Manager and ex-Stevenage player Romayne Thomas was appointed in September, and after an overhaul of the squad (only 1 player, Kyle Taylor, remains from our last meeting on the opening day of the season) it looks like things could be starting to click.
Newent have signed several players from Step 5 in a bid to beat the drop to Division 2, Archie Woods, Leroy Odiero, Deqwon Ebanks & Corey Hill all arrived from from Binscombe & Thrupp, Essa Sabally signed from Roman Glass St George, Yeshaya Lomotey from Tuffley Rovers, as well as several other players with experience at Premier Division leaders (and last season's Division 1 Champions) Hartpury & Cinderford Town, however the most resonating signing is Gibraltar international Angel Gonzalez!

It's an important game for both sides for different reasons; after two straight defeats in the League & FA Vase, Droitwich need to get back to winning ways against “the Daffs”, whereas Saturday's visitors will be full of confidence and looking to string a second consecutive win to close the gap on the sides above them.

The Saltmen can take heart from their performance and unfortunate defeat at Abbey Hulton last weekend, which ended a fantastic run in the Isuzu FA Vase.
United had also signed a flurry of players in the weeks leading up to the game, with experience at Steps 3, 4 & 5 so for Spa to match them across the pitch with an injured goalkeeper and two suspended outfield players speaks volumes.

Dom Rogerson & Matt Williams will be doubtful for Saturday's encounter, but Alex Dugmore and Jack Davies are available for selection after suspension.

Droitwich can't afford to take Newent lightly but on paper the home side will be clear favourites, and with the next two away fixtures looking more accessible against lowly Bewdley (Boxing Day, ko 1pm) & Carterton (Saturday 4th January, ko 3pm), Andy Crowther's men will hope to be able to restore a healthy advantage at the top of the table, which had diminished over the last fortnight.

As per usual, admission is £6 adult, £4 concessions, Under 12's free with an adult and there's no extra charge if you wish to sit in the covered stand.

Cash and card payments are accepted throughout the ground

Two bars, burger van, tea shack and club shop are all open and there is free parking available behind the Leisure Centre.

DON'T FORGET! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BUY CLUB MERCHANDISE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

We hope to see you all again at Kingy's for one last time in 2024 to cheer the lads on.