Similar to their last home defeat at the hands of Cirencester Town Development just over a month ago, Connor Ferguson netted a late goal for the visitors to produce a shock result.

Coming into the game, Raiders were sitting top of the Hellenic League Division One table albeit having played two more games than rivals Studley, who they face this weekend.

However, after Saturday’s home defeat, coupled with Studley’s comfortable 4-0 win at Malmesbury Vics, Raiders have been knocked off top spot making this weekend’s clash all the more important.

Raiders had seemingly started their afternoon in great style, Logan Stoddart looping a superb ball over to the in-form Isaac Cooper, who controlled the ball with style and chipped the goalkeeper on the half-volley to open the scoring after just three minutes. However, the linesman deemed him offside and the score remained level, which only spurred Worcester on as eight minutes later Jordan Murphy broke into the box and set up Connor Deards on the edge of the box, but he fired his shot over the bar.

This early pressure for the hosts was soon counteracted, as a tough midfield battle ensued between the sides, with neither gaining the upper hand.

That early momentum was rekindled in the 40th minute when Cooper fizzed a beautiful ball across the box towards Murphy, but he could not compose himself and his attempt was off target.

Five minutes after the half-time break, Raiders’ worst fears had come to life as they were caught off-guard by the approaching Abingdon attack and Isiah Stallone fired the visitors into a one-goal lead.

Stallone duly celebrated by taking his shirt off, whilst sprinting towards the corner post, and received a yellow card for his actions.

The last 20 minutes saw the referee get himself very involved in the game as after a continuous barrage of comments from the Abingdon coaching staff play was halted.

Once play was stopped, the referee came over to talk to the coaches, which escalated into more than just a chat as one of the coaches was yellow carded.

Five minutes later, Murphy, who had been pressing all game, broke down the left-wing with immense pace and thundered his shot past goalkeeper Cameron Midwinter to equalize, and provide hope for Worcester.

This short spell of hope was shattered in the 79th minute, as the formerly mentioned Ferguson scored for the away side, bringing about a manic celebration from Abingdon, which resulted in Stallone, who had been booked for taking his shirt off earlier and was now sat on the bench as a substitute, picking up a second yellow card from the referee and sent to watch the last 10 minutes from the stands.

A few loose passes and skied shots later, the full-time whistle was blown, with Raiders now finding themselves level on points with Studley with seven games left to play, while Clanfied are one point behind, having played two extra games, and Cheltenham Saracens eight points adrift with a match in hand.