Worcester Raiders head into Saturday's trip to Shaftesbury full of confidence after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Slimbridge at Claines Lane on Tuesday night.

The comprehensive win provided the perfect response to a disappointing result at Barnstaple and continued a positive spell for Raiders, who will be looking to carry their recent momentum into another challenging league encounter.

Raiders looking to maintain momentum

Tuesday night's victory was another important step in establishing Claines Lane as a difficult place for visiting teams. Following a positive result against Larkhall, Raiders maintained their 100% home record and recorded their first league clean sheet.

Captain Jordan Murphy reflected on the team's recent performances, acknowledging the disappointment of the Barnstaple defeat before praising the squad's response against Falmouth and Slimbridge.

The long trip to Falmouth presented a significant challenge, but Raiders came away with a valuable point after a 1-1 draw. Murphy highlighted the team's resilience in holding on after conceding and the fact that both sides had opportunities to claim all three points.

That result was followed by Tuesday's victory over Slimbridge, although the captain admitted that Raiders had been fortunate to lead 2-0 at half-time. A stronger second-half performance, a well-worked third goal and a fourth that Slimbridge felt was questionable for offside ultimately secured a convincing win.

Team news

Logan Stoddart is expected to be available for Saturday's fixture despite suffering a shoulder injury during Tuesday night's victory. His fitness will be monitored ahead of the game.

Jake Collins is edging closer to a return, although Saturday may come too soon for the midfielder. Jordan Stoddart remains unavailable.

Raiders will hope to retain the core of the side that delivered such a strong second-half display against Slimbridge, while managing the fitness of those returning from injury.

The challenge at Shaftesbury

Saturday's fixture represents another opportunity for Raiders to collect points on the road. Shaftesbury will be determined to make home advantage count, and Raiders will need to reproduce the organisation and work rate that helped them secure a clean sheet in midweek.

The opening stages could be particularly important. Raiders will want to settle quickly, avoid conceding early territory and build on the confidence gained from Tuesday's performance. Shaftesbury, meanwhile, will be looking to impose themselves and ensure that the visitors do not enjoy the same attacking freedom they found in the second half against Slimbridge.

The midfield battle is likely to play a key role, with both sides looking to gain control of possession and create opportunities. Raiders' ability to transition quickly from defence into attack could prove significant, but maintaining defensive discipline will be just as important.

Captain's thoughts

Jordan Murphy believes the squad will travel to Shaftesbury with renewed confidence after the last two matches.

Reflecting on the team's response to the Barnstaple defeat, he said:

"We had a good few days after the really poor result at Barnstaple. We really let ourselves down in that game."

Murphy was encouraged by the response against Falmouth and the subsequent home victory over Slimbridge, adding that the team had taken the lessons from their earlier disappointment on board.

He also praised the squad's determination to make Claines Lane a difficult venue for opponents and highlighted the importance of maintaining their positive home form.

With the team now looking ahead to another good side, the captain's message is clear: Raiders must remain focused, work hard for one another and look to pick up more points on the road.

Match outlook

Worcester Raiders travel to Shaftesbury with confidence restored following a strong run of performances and a convincing midweek victory. Their recent results demonstrate the importance of responding positively to setbacks, and Saturday offers another opportunity to do exactly that.

Shaftesbury will present a different challenge, particularly on their own ground, and Raiders cannot afford to underestimate the task. The visitors will need to combine the attacking confidence shown against Slimbridge with the defensive resilience displayed at Falmouth.

If Raiders can maintain their intensity, remain disciplined and take their chances, they will give themselves a strong opportunity to come away with a positive result.

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