Droitwich Spa saw their unbeaten League away record in 2024-25 season ended at play-off chasing Clanfield on Saturday, in the Saltmen's final away game of the campaign, courtesy of a late penalty for the Robins converted by leading scorer Tyger Hall.

The hosts were desperate for a victory to keep up their chances of a play-off spot, and they created the best goalscoring opportunities throughout in a tight game short on goalmouth action, and Droitwich struggled to get out of second gear.

Jozef Fullerton's strike was deflected wide after 6 minutes, and from the resulting corner Woody Casciaro squandered a great opportunity after escaping his marker, but fired well off target.

Droitwich replied through Josh Hurdman who worked himself into a shooting position, with home 'keeper Luke Haley closing in, the wingers' attempted chip went over the bar.

Spa then had Dom Rogerson to thank for a fine save from close range to deny Finn Baker a certain goal mid-way through the half.

Perry Moss had to be replaced soon after as he felt the force of a strong challenge on the half-way line. His replacement James Lemon was straight into the action, and from the free kick, his flick-on found the head of Alex Dugmore who's effort hit the post and rolled out.

The only other chance of note came just before the half time whistle; Droitwich's Cory Rudd struck a powerful effort from the edge of the area that didn't worry Haley as it sailed over the cross-bar.

Josh Hurdman was millimetres away from giving the visitors the lead when his curled free kick was just the wrong side of the stanchion, then on the hour mark Nathan Binner's attempted chip was well held by Haley.

As the game wore on Clanfield became more threatening as first Tyger Hall's thunderous effort went wide, then Rogerson was alert to tip a bottom corner-bound free kick around the post.

Spa survived a flurry of corners before Hurdman almost hit a sucker punch when his shot on the turn forced Haley into a low save.

The defining moment of the game came on 85 minutes when Jay Sauntson was adjudged to have committed a foul in the penalty area, which Hall converted.

Since conceding, Spa looked more threatening going forward. Hurdman again the main threat forced a good save from Haley, and from the follow up Lemon couldn't get enough on his finish to find an equaliser.
Tensions grew with the hosts making the most of any challenges to break the game up, and the contest ended on a sour note, and Droitwich with 10-men, as Jack Brighton was shown a straight red card for allegedly stamping on Jordan Cavender.

It was a day to forget for Droitwich and their 100 travelling supporters that had made the long journey South, however Spa's focus will have to now turn to Saturday's final game of the season, at Kingy's when Tytherington Rocks are the visitors.

For Clanfield, going into the final week of the season, they hold the last play-off place on goal difference ahead of Abingdon United. Redditch Borough are the only team mathematically secured in the lottery, whilst FC Stratford, Wantage Town, Clanfield and Abingdon United will battle over the three final spots.
The fixtures for those sides for the final day are as follows:
Bewdley Town v Abingdon United
Kidlington Res v Wantage Town
Redditch Borough v Clanfield

FC Stratford finished their season on Saturday with a 6-2 win over Shortwood United, and they will miss out on the play-offs if Wantage, Abingdon & Clanfield all win their games.