The Saltmen progressed to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Isuzu FA Vase with a comfortable 6-2 victory over Midland Football League Division 1 side Nuneaton Griff at Kingys on Saturday.

It would prove to be Spa's biggest test so far this campaign, but Andy Crowther's side passed it with flying colours to set up a show down at Hellenic League Division 1 compatriots Bewdley Town in the next round on Saturday 21st September.

Griff had the first chance of the game after a nervy start from Spa: the lively Aeron Thomas had only Rogerson to beat, but Jack Brighton sprang from nowhere to deny his shot with a timely sliding tackle.

The Heartlanders broke the deadlock on 15 minutes however, when Jared Bradshaw's corner looped over everyone and into the far corner.

The lead lasted just 4 minutes, as Perry Moss produced another moment of magic by cutting inside and curling an effort up and over Declan O'Donnell from the edge of the area.

Spa controlled possession without creating much; O'Donnell held Moss's effort from distance after Rudd and Josh Hurdman had similar attempts blocked, however Moss had to be substituted on the half hour mark after picking up a knock.

His replacement Nathan Binner was barely on the pitch for 30 seconds before he contributed with an assist, crossing for Alex Dugmore to finish a simple close range effort to put Spa in front for the first time in the game.

Binner almost added his name to the score sheet before the break with a volley from 15-yards out which O'Donnell saved well, but the best chance came at the other end as Reece Williams, with a free header from a corner, saw his effort fly just the wrong side of the post right before the half time whistle, which turned out to be a game changer.

The Saltmen extend their advantage just 2 minutes into the 2nd half as Dugmore intercepted a poor pass to finish well.

Griff struck back almost immediately when Campbell fired in a powerful header from a corner to make it 3-2.

On 52 minutes Binner made no mistake from close range by firing past O'Donnell and in off the post to make the score 4-2, and on 54 minutes a thunderous volley from Jack Davies 20 yards out gave the Heartlanders 'keeper no chance to make it 5-2 in a whirlwind start to the second half.

The scoring wasn't done there and Josh Hurdman hit a worldie of his own when his precision effort from range looped into the top corner before the hour mark.

Kingy's was on its feet once again on 70 minutes when last season's top scorer Connor Collins's short lived retirement was ended as he replaced Alex Dugmore.

Collins had two headed efforts before time that narrowly missed the target and O'Donnell was called into action to deny Hurdman and Binner.

Griff could have made the scoreline more respectable but for Rogerson, who saved well from Kaliqi and Bradshaw in the last 5 minutes to ensure an impressive win against tough opposition.

Droitwich are back in League action on Bank Holiday Monday (ko 3pm) at Kingy's where the Saltmen will hope to continue a perfect start when they host mid-table Wantage Town.