DROITWICH Spa edged a competitive derby 1-0 at Fairfield Villa to move up to second in Midland Football League Division Two.

The hosts had been enjoying a fine run of form to shoot above the Saltmen into the runners-up position.

But Spa hauled them back with a headed winning goal in the 82rd minute by substitute Macaulay Finch to claim the local bragging rights.

The game turned out to be a scrappy affair of low quality with a strong wind and a pitch that was not conducive to neat passing.

Fairfield controlled the opening 45 minutes as far as possession and chances were concerned.

But Spa goalkeeper Matt Oliver was only forced into action once as dangerous front man Connor Collins failed to hit the target with some long-range strikes.

Droitwich were disappointing going forward with James Lemon and Nick Seabourne well marshalled by the home rearguard and Haydn Morris on the other flank failed to make an impact.

Their best move of the half was a neat interchange between Luke Molloy, Seabourne and Lemon but the effort was wayward.

On 35 minutes, a collision between Seabourne and the keeper saw the Villa stopper come off worse and he was substituted at half-time.

With no keeper on the bench, Fairfield’s left-back drew the short straw and kept goal for the second half.

Droitwich had a dressing-down during the half-time break and came out revitalised in the second period.

Morris was involved in some neat passing but he missed the target from distance.

Jamie Smith hit a free-kick low to the keeper’s right and he parried it to Seabourne a matter of yards out but the Spa winger hit the post.

With Spa growing in confidence, Lemon hit a shot wide and Matt Hunt’s looping header was brilliantly tipped over.

Joint managers Mark Owen and Wayne Oliver brought Finch and Aston Gunter into the fold.

From Smith’s deep cross, Finch rose highest to put a looping header out of the keeper’s reach into the far corner with eight minutes to go.

Droitwich could have extended their lead when Lemon was put through one-on-one.

He rounded the keeper but, while slightly off-balance, hit the post.

Spa are next in action at Earlswood Town on New Year’s Eve (2pm).

Meanwhile, Inkberrow crashed 10-0 at FC Stratford in Division Three.