A LOUIS Bridges double within the opening 10 minutes paved the way for Droitwich Spa Football Club’s progress into the Les James Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 home win over Alcester Town.

Just 30 seconds were on the clock when almost straight from kick-off the ball was worked down the right-hand side where Andy Crowther’s cross fell to the front-man who took a touch and finished clinically passed the helpless Jack Turner in the visiting goal.

It was 2-0 to the hosts before 10 minutes had passed.

Bridges closed down Turner after a short back-pass and the keeper’s clearance ricocheted off Bridges and into the net.

However, the scoreline at the break while looking comfortable for the hosts was anything but.

Alcester had the lion's share of possession, looking composed on the ball, and missed several gilt-edged chances.

Droitwich were content to defend and in truth struggled to get out of their own half.

Former Fairfield man Stuart Hall, Lewis Marston, Lewis Fathers and the impressive Jamie Bailey all missed the target and, barring the odd occasion, Matt Oliver in the Spa goal was seldom troubled.

The second half continued in a similar fashion but Town were having a lot less joy getting forward and any hint of danger was relatively easily snuffed out by the make-shift back-line of Crowther, Matt Hunt, Curtis Townley and Chris Glover.

As the half wore on the visitors grew more tired.

Brad Burgess and Bridges both had half-chances which did not trouble Turner but Spa put the game to bed with 19 minutes to go.

Burgess’ corner was met by the head of Jack Allerton for goal number three to send them into the quarter-finals.

After tonight's Presidents Cup clash with Northfield Town (7.45pm), 10th-placed Spa host Smithswood Firs, who are seventh, in Midland League Division Two on Saturday at Stourport's Walshes Meadow (3pm).