The Saltmen made club history by reaching the 3rd Round of this season's Isuzu FA Vase for the first time, as they eliminated higher-ranked Ashby Ivanhoe at the NFU Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon.

The game couldn't have got off to a better start for Andy Crowther's men, as within 20 seconds of kick off a cross from Josh Hurdman and what should have been a routine catch for Knights 'keeper Brad Catlow was spilled and Perry Moss couldn't believe his luck as he had a simple task of tapping in to an empty net from a couple of yards out.

Both sides caused a threat in the first half in an even encounter with the hosts most dangerous from set pieces and Droitwich trying to build chances with some tidy build up play; the towering Chris Acott's header was saved at the near post by Rogerson and Ashley Garner headed over.

Nathan Binner's direct free kick then shave the top of the cross-bar Sam Carey's last ditch sliding tackle blocked Ashby top scorer Sam Grouse from getting a close range shot away, before Will Groocock and Oliver Bradshaw spurned efforts in promising positions.

A blow for the Saltmen as Captain Jay Sauntson had to be substituted mid-way through the half, however Droitwich kept plugging away and doubled the advantage on 41 minutes as a deep cross from Lewis Phillips was headed back across goal by Hurdman and Charlie Tilley was there to tap home.

It got even better for the Worcestershire side and Tilley in particular just before half time when Moss produced a low cross for the Spa man to repeat a close range finish and give Droitwich an unbelievable 3-goal lead.
Both Grouse and Jake Brown came close as the hosts tried to reply before the half time whistle but Spa protected their lead.

The second half was predictable with the Saltmen content to concede possession, sit back and hit on the counter attack, and the hosts reduced the deficit on 52 minutes as Grouse's effort hit the post and on the follow up Brown made no mistake from close range.

Droitwich's defensive organisation was excellent and they limited Ashby to half chances; Carey again putting his body on the line to deny a certain goal on the hour mark, before Moss raced clear of the offside trap to make a foray into the box but put an off-balance effort wide with Nathan Astill closing in.

Matt Williams headed clear from the line on 77 minutes, then Ashley Garner headed over the bar. Spa replied with another counter from which Dugmore's effort went over Catlow's cross-bar, then Matt Fusco tried his luck from 25-yards but Catlow got down well to save.

Ashby threw everything forward but Dom Rogerson produced a decisive moment in the match on 88 minutes with an unbelievable 1-handed save from a close range stinging effort to tip over the cross-bar.
Sam Grouse had the last effort of the game midway through the 7 minutes additional time but a frustrating day for the Knights talisman saw him fire over the bar.

A fine day for the Saltmen and a professional performance where every single player was at their best to preserve a historic victory for the club, who now eagerly await the draw for the 3rd round on Monday lunchtime.

Droitwich are next in action on Saturday (ko 3pm) where they are back at Kingy's to face Chipping Sodbury Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1.