DROITWICH Spa Men’s Firsts succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to high-flying West Bromwich Firsts in the Midlands Regional Hockey League.
The result sees Spa remain in seventh in the West Midlands One table, with the Baggies moving to within one point of league leaders Stafford.
Spa started the game slowly and conceded within the first five minutes, however, Spa grew in confidence and showed some composure later in the half.
Attacks down the left were proving fruitful for Spa but Jake Wilkes and Marcus Claytor could not convert their chances.
Tommy Ross and Barry Williams had further chances to pull Spa level but the Baggies defence stood firm to keep them at bay.
The building pressure from Spa soon paid off as from a penalty corner, Ross found Andy Rollason who crossed it to Claytor to level the tie.
The crossbar came to the rescue of West Bromwich later in the first half as Jake Wilkes’ flicked effort skimmed the woodwork.
That proved costly as just before half-time, the Baggies slammed home two quick-fire goals to take a 3-1 lead into the interval.
Spa started the second half quickly, pushing higher up the pitch allowing their attackers more time on the ball.
Opportunities soon came with the switch of tactics but poor finishing from Ross and Brett Gwillam kept the score at 3-1.
Despite a late onslaught from the Baggies, Spa held firm and frustrated their opponents to limited opportunities before full time.
Spa will hope to get their fourth win of the season tomorrow (Saturday) as they make the short trip to fifth place Pershore.
