A VALIANT display from Droitwich Spa Football Club was not enough to take them through to the Les James Challenge Cup semi-finals.

They drew 0-0 at Midland League Division Two rivals Smithswood Firs but went out 7-6 on penalties.

Smithswood started better but Chris Lloyd was off target with two chances to put the hosts ahead.

John Flanaghan also had a decent opportunity but he too could not break the deadlock.

From then on, Spa dominated possession, forced a string of corners and had plenty of efforts on goal.

But keeper Jake Woodward did not have to work too hard as many efforts were off target.

Brad Burgess’ powerful volley and Mike Seeley’s header were the closest the visitors came.

The second half was more even yet followed a similar pattern to the first with again Firs starting looking more threatening.

Keeper Matt Oliver made three saves from Flanaghan, Curtis Thomas and substitute Dan Charlton.

Spa also had several chances after slick build-up play but Nick Seabourne headed wide, Burgess missed the target and James Lemon was put through one-on-one with Woodward but agonisingly shot just wide.

Seeley almost caught Woodward out as his 40-yard dipping effort went narrowly over.

But an entertaining game ended goalless and the Saltmen went into their fourth penalty shoot-out of the season.

Good penalties from both sets of players gave the keepers no chance.

Spa were given a chance to win it as home captain Thomas missed in sudden death but the following penalty from Andy Crowther was well saved by Woodward.

Two penalties later, Chris Glover fired his spot-kick over and Firs claimed the victory.

Mid-table Spa host Bloxwich Town in the league at Walshes Meadow on Saturday (3pm).