JOINT-BOSS Mark Owen admitted it took a tactical rethink to shut out Wellington Amateurs’ “damaging” strike force after Droitwich Spa clinched a 4-3 away victory.

High-flying Droitwich were pegged back three times by the lowly hosts with goals from Haydn Morris, James Lemon and Andy Crowther cancelled out.

But Lemon’s strike at the end of a topsy-turvy first half proved to be enough for the Saltmen who maintained their one-goal advantage throughout the second period.

Owen conceded Wellington Amateurs’ firepower took him by surprise as the Shropshire side languish in West Midlands (Regional) League's bottom three.

“Considering how the first half went we were lucky to come in at half-time with our noses in front,” Owen said.

“Things were said at the break to try to nullify their strengths.

“I was surprised where they were in the table considering how damaging their forward line was to us.

“We had only conceded five goals up until that point and we shipped three in one game which speaks volumes for Wellington.

“Information came out later that they played the side that beat Racing Club Warwick so it turned out to be a really good result.

“If they are beating a team from the league above with that side and we are coming away winning 4-3 then that’s very pleasing.”

Droitwich remain in second spot, one point behind leaders Team Dudley ahead of Saturday’s clash with Gornal Athletic at Walshes Meadow (3pm).

“We are taking it 10 games at a time so it has been a fantastic start for us, but that’s all it is,” Owen added.

“It will be interesting game against Gornal as we beat them 2-0 earlier this season but they are the only team to beat Team Dudley.

“It will be a very difficult challenge.”