Football
Leaders prove too strong for Spa

DROITWICH Spa’s hopes of pulling off a shock result against Midland Combination Division One leaders Littleton were dashed on Saturday as they fell to a 3-0 home defeat.

Boss Richard Goode was quick to point out that it was not for the lack of trying from his players though, who he said gave him their all throughout.

“I spoke to the players on the pitch before we even got back to the dressing room after the final whistle because I was so keen to tell them how pleased I was with the effort they put in, I couldn’t have asked for more,” Goode said.

“We have a good bunch of young players together here who could play together for a good few years to come if we can keep them together, and that is what I’ll be trying to do.

“Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture rather than searching for an instant fix and we are attracting some good young players to the club which shows we must be doing something right.”

Spa defended well in the first half before shading the final ten minutes but they were unable to make a couple of good opportunities count.

A penalty gave Littleton the chance to go ahead in the second half before they doubled their advantage with a fine goal before catching Spa on the break for the third.

“We came under some heavy pressure at times in the first half but dealt with it well before finishing the half the better side,” Goode said.

“Unfortunately for us we weren’t able to take the chances that came our way and ended up getting punished for it in the second half.

“I thought the penalty was soft but can take nothing away from their second which was a great goal.

“They are a good side, no doubt about that, and I will be surprised if they don’t finish in the top two.

“There were plus points for us to take from the game such as the performances of Chris Cartwright and Nick West but the biggest of the lot was Spencer Yates.

“I thought he impressed for the Reserves when I watched them a couple of weeks ago so gave him his chance in midfield and he produced a man of the match performance.

“With the first team not having a game tomorrow I’m hoping to go and watch the Reserves again and see if there is anybody else pushing for a place in the first team.”

Regional sport »