Old Wulfs 2-0 Droitwich Spa

The Saltmen got off to a bad start on a windy afternoon at the Brinsford Stadium against a very well drilled Old Wulfrunians.

Spa are yet to win a game at this ground, and furthermore it is their first opening day defeat since 2014.

The hosts had the better of the opening exchanges without troubling Spa stopper Connor Coombes, and the aggressive pressing of the hosts front front to back was giving Spa all sorts of problems as they struggled to build any kind of passing moves.

Wulfs took a deserved lead after 15 minutes as a corner was only partially cleared, Jack Hickman's powerful strike from the edge of the area beat Coombes at the near post despite the best efforts of Ben Tilbury to deflect the shot away.

Droitwich then regrouped and had the lions share of possession for the remainder of the half . Some intricate passing moves opened up the home defence as Connor Collins spurned several chances to draw Spa level whilst Haydn Morris & Ben Tilbury also were wide of the mark, whilst home 'keeper Woodward was relatively untroubled - his only first half save was an excellent one to deny Tilbury's close-range effort to ensure the hosts went in a goal to the good at half time.

The second half was a midfield battle with chances at a premium at either end.
However with just their 2nd shot of the game, Tom Ray doubled Wulfs's advantage on 52 minutes to give Droitwich an uphill struggle, again against the wind.

Despite the introductions of Cory Rudd & Jack Davies Spa struggled to create any meaningful chances- the only one of note forced Woodward into an impressive save to deny a powerful Tilbury volley.

A disappointing Spa performance especially after such a promising pre-season which was one of several surprise results on the opening week-end. The Division 1 table is almost turned on its head from the end of last season as Bustleholme & Willenhall Town registered impressive wins.

Droitwich now turn their attentions to next Saturday's trip to Gornal Athletic (ko 3pm).