Sam Carey registered Spa's first chance when he headed over from a corner, and soon after the deadlock was broken when Alex Dugmore headed into Venables' far corner after Matt Fusco won possession, exchanged passes with Jack Brighton and produced a perfect cross.

The home supporters were back on their feet barely 60 seconds later when Josh Hurdman beat the offside trap and finished well passed the onrushing Venables on 17 minutes.

Ludlow didn't roll over and Connor Davies-Austin should have hit the target with a free header from a corner on 20 minutes.

The Saltmen controlled the rest of the first half, and could have extended their lead through Sam Carey (twice), Perry Moss (twice), Dugmore and Tilley, however Town's rear-guard, led brilliantly by stopper Zach Venables, repelled everything that was thrown at them.
Spa had two penalty claims waved away; firstly Brighton's cross looked to be stopped by the arm of a Town defender, then Moss got to the ball ahead of Venables, who clipped the Droitwich winger's legs. The match official awarded Moss a yellow card for simulation.

The Knights' only chance of note fell to George Crump, where Rogerson produced a fine one-handed save at close range to tip the drive onto the cross-bar to ensure that Droitwich went into the interval with a 2-0 lead.

Spa were quick out of the blocks in the second half, and within a minute of the re-start, Josh Hurdman forced a fine save from Venables when through one against one. The rebound fell to Tilley only for Cam Marsh to block his shot. The second rebound, destined for the back of the net was also somehow repelled by Marsh.
Nathan Binner then saw a curling effort just fall the wrong side of the bar and Josh Hurdman's effort from distance was also just off target.

Ludlow replied as both substitute Kieron Dovey and leading scorer Ryan Clarke fired wide as Town enjoyed a good 10 minutes of possession midway through the half .

Venables produced more heroics in the visiting goal as he brilliantly saved Binner's free-kick before denying Spa sub Danny Barnes (twice) a first goal of the season.

Andy Crowther introduced four players from the Development team in the closing stages, two of whom; Joe Hurdman and Liam Livesey, made their debut's for the first team and breathed new life in to the encounter.

It was Charlie Tilley who sealed all three points five minutes from time with his third goal of the season, as he was first to the rebound after Venables had saved Dugmore's header.

Barnes did have the ball in the back of the net for a 4th goal but it was ruled out for offside.

Dovey produced a fine save from Rogerson at close range as a powerful top corner bound effort was pushed over the cross-bar, whilst the last action of the game saw a stinging 25-yard drive from Jack Davies go just over.

A pleasing performance from Spa, who played some intricate football and if it wasn't for an inspired performance from Ludlow's Venables in particular, the margin of victory could have been much greater.

Andy Crowther's men don't have long to wait for their next fixture which comes on Tuesday evening (ko 7.45pm) when 2nd placed Redditch Borough visit Kingy's in the 1st Round of the Wiseman's Lighting League Cup.
There is a reduced admission charge of £5 adult, £3 concession, whilst season ticket holders will gain free admission.

Then on Saturday, The Saltmen make the 250-mile round trip to Holbeach United (a farthest ever away game!) in the 1st Round of the Isuzu FA Vase (ko 3pm).
The coach leaves at 10am and there are still seats available (£10 each).
Please contact Steve Charlwood to book on 07967 031906.