DROITWICH Spa eventually got the better of Worcestershire rivals Feckenham in defence of the President’s Cup but made hard work of their 1-0 victory.

The Saltmen came into the first-round tie off the back of arguably their best display of the season against Fairfield Villa the previous week, while the inconsistent Millers exited the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup against Division Three side Inkberrow.

The form book went out of the window, though, as the hosts came out of the blocks quicker and were in control for most of the game.

Feckenham’s best chance was in the 20th minute and a superb triple save from keeper Matt Oliver kept them at bay, denying Jack Brimmell and Danny Murphy.

Spa were careless in possession and the normally-reliable Graeme Pardoe was one of many who were out of sorts.

The visitors fashioned a few chances for themselves and all fell to Nick Seabourne.

A couple of headed efforts narrowly missed the target and then a strong run cutting in from the left saw the forward round Feckenham keeper Josh Goddard but his shot flashed across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Feckenham continued to create more chances, mostly falling to Brimmell, and Oliver had one more save to make before half time.

The first few minutes of the second half continued in the same fashion with possession generally controlled by the Millers, but a more organised-looking Spa back line protected Oliver’s goal well.

At the other end, James Lemon spurned a half-chance as the game petered out into a scrappy midfield battle and the rain started to pour.

On the hour, the Saltmen saw more of the ball and looked a lot better going forward.

Finally, the breakthrough came when Jack Brighton’s corner was headed in by Lemon at the near post.

More Droitwich pressure ensued but Seabourne missed a good chance.

Substitutes Aston Gunter and Josh Szikora-Warmington gave added impetus as both Max Crisp and Jamie Smith hobbled off midway through the half.

The closing stages saw Feckenham back in charge but Lemon broke away and was brought down by the keeper.

However, the normally-reliable Lemon fired the penalty low to Goddard’s right and he made a fine save.

A late close-range volley from Feckenham’s Ryan Edwards flashed narrowly wide as the Saltmen were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Spa visit Knowle in Midland League Division Two on Saturday (3pm) and then head to Redditch Borough on Tuesday (7.45pm).