Raiders travelled to their in-form near neighbours, Droitwich Spa, for a
winner takes all game to secure promotion to step 4 of the non-league
pyramid.

First Half
Raiders started slowly, Spa looked dangerous and were creating the early
chances. Spa’s Charlie Tilley shot over the bar, and Perry Moss shot on the
turn, forcing Raiders keeper, Charlie Emery, into a brilliant save. Raiders
showed their determination, coming more into the game. A Bailey Fuller shot
produced an excellent save by the Spa keeper, Joe Stockton.

Goal Raiders
On 21 minutes, a poor back pass from a Spa defender allowed Jordan
Murphy to round Stockton and slot the ball calmly into the net.

Raiders made their first substitution on 30 minutes, Jordan Kondo was
replaced by Sam Whitton, having narrowly avoided a second yellow card.
Spa attempted to get back into the game and continued to look dangerous
on attack, coming close to an equaliser when a shot hit the post.

Goal Raiders
From some neat play by Raiders, Jordan Murphy found himself on the edge
of the box and shot past the keeper into the bottom corner of the net.
From then on, Raiders looked comfortable and in control for the remaining
minutes of the half.

Second Half
Raiders started strongly, creating early chances with a shot from Bailey being
Deflected, and Jake Donnelly forced Stockton into a close-range save.
Raiders controlled the game, pushing forward, whilst the defence was brilliant
restricting Spa’s attempts, which was epitomised by Taylor Eades, with a
tremendous block.

Goal Raiders
Hat Trick Hero
On 61 minutes, Jordan Murphy’s shot on goal took a deflection, which saw the
ball loop over Stockton into the net to make it three.
Two minutes after Jordan’s hat trick, a Bailey Fuller shot narrowly missed the
goal.

Goal Raiders
Raiders made it four on 66 minutes, after some brilliant play by Adam Taylor
passing to Bailey, whose cross was tapped in by Cam Monteith.

Goal Spa
Spa got a consolation goal on 75 minutes when substitute Reiss Taylor -
Randle nipped in between two defenders to chip the ball over Charlie.
Raiders looked in control and were comfortable in the final minutes of the
game, continuing to push forward.

Raiders secured promotion in style with their best performance of the
season. They were solid in defence, minimising any risk from the Spa
forwards. They controlled the midfield and looked dangerous in attack. There
were so many great individual performances, Jordan Murphy’s hat trick, Ben
Sanogo was simply brilliant, Charlie, as we come to expect, with his usual
safe pair of hands.

Ultimately, it was an exceptional team performance.
This is a fantastic achievement to be promoted to step 4 in what will be the
25th anniversary of the club’s formation.
Massive congratulations to Coach Jordan Lewis, his coaching team, and all
players who have represented Raiders this season.
Special thanks to chairman Steve Harris, all the sponsors, volunteers and supporters for making it a season to remember.