Droitwich Spa head to Hinckley AFC in MFL Division One opener

The Saltmen reached the Midland Football League Division One play-off final at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, but a last-minute winner from Ashby Ivanhoe denied them promotion.

Despite the heartbreak, there has been no hangover through pre-season and The Saltmen have been making a name for themselves in the local area with some impressive performances.

They gave a strong Kidderminster Harriers side a scare in a 2-1 defeat before thrashing Littleton 8-0, scoring five in a 5-5 draw with Worcester City, beating Hereford Pegasus 5-2 and a comprehensive 4-0 win over Step 3 outfit Redditch United. 

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They concluded their preparations with another stand-out result, drawing 4-4 with Step 4 Lye Town.

And now, with one encouraging season under their belt - their first at Step 6 - and an impressive pre-season campaign, it has only increased expectations ahead of the Midland Football League Division One opener at Hinckley.

"Last season we surprised ourselves as to how well we adapted to Step 6," said Crowther. "We are more determined to go a step further after last season, we are going all out to be promoted.

"We have held onto everyone in the squad bar one, but that's it. Everyone else has signed forms and now we look in even better shape. 

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"We aren't little old Droitwich anymore and I think the only way is up for this club."

But The Saltmen could not have been handed a tougher opening fixture. Hinckley had led Droitwich 3-1 in the play-off semi-final last season before a late show from Crowther's men sent the tie to penalties, which Droitwich won.

Hinckley will no doubt be right up there as one of the title contenders, so this should be a heavy-weight clash to kick start the campaign.