DROITWICH Spa have signed former Aston Villa winger Jordan Cox.

The 20-year-old made the bench for the Midland giants for a League Cup tie.

Former Pershore High School pupil Cox joined Villa aged 10 and signed a professional contract when 18.

He represented the club at under 18s and 23s level with 62 appearances and 11 goals.

Cox played in the Premier League Two and FA Youth Cup before being released in the summer.

He had been spotted by Premier League Villa while playing for Pershore United 07 under nines in the Evesham Ambassador League.

Cox came on off the bench as Spa had to work hard for a 1-1 West Midlands League Division One draw at mid-table Wrens Nest in stifling conditions at Priory Road on Saturday.

The well-drilled hosts, who included two dual-registered players from higher ranks, quickly adapted to the conditions and 3G playing surface to retain a lot of possession.

But the first period was a bit of a non-event with chances at either end at a premium.

Only Connor Collins and Haydn Morris registered efforts at goal for Spa which did not give home keeper Josh Raden any problems.

At the other end Droitwich's Matt Oliver was only troubled by Ethan Delaney.

Spa started the second half on the front foot with more attacking intent but on 50 minutes poor defending allowed Delaney to finish from close range.

The visitors upped the ante and controlled the game with Wrens Nest happy to sit back and counter-attack.

The introduction of Jack Davies on the hour sparked Spa into life with the winger having three efforts well saved.

Lemon and Tilbury were also denied by Raden and Morris’ chip had the keeper beaten but cannoned back off the underside of the bar.

Spa eventually drew level when Cory Rudd’s through-ball was latched onto by Ben Tilbury who unselfishly squared for Lemon to tap into an empty net.

Collins could have given Spa the lead but dwelt on his shot too long.

Matty Hunt went close with a header and then Davies' cross-shot flew across the face of goal without a crucial touch.

Wrens Nest put their foot on the gas in the final stages and could have run out comfortable winners.

With the Spa defence all at sea substitute Brian Ncube headed over from close range to let Spa off the hook.

Then Oliver produced a save-of-the-season contender to palm away a powerful Nathan Guest drive from a matter of yards out to preserve a point for Droitwich.

Spa, who are seventh in the table, visit Kidderminster Harriers under 21s in the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup on Saturday (2.30pm).