Raiders had the chance to win their game in hand and close the gap to five points at the top of the table, and they started the contest brightly with striker Josh Willis looking particularly dangerous on the break.

The former City and Pershore frontman had a series of chances, before breaking the deadlock on 34 minutes with a ferocious shot which took a deflection on its way into the net.

Five minutes earlier, Willis had a shot which was splendidly tipped over by Pershore keeper Cox, so the warning signs were certainly there for the visitors.

Undeterred by going a goal down, Town rallied and were on level terms three minutes before the break when ex-Raider James Baldwin latched onto a neat through ball to slot home with aplomb, giving keeper Ryan Young no chance.

On 53 minutes Joe Billingham was denied point blank by another superb save from Cox and moments later this proved decisive as Clark’s stunning volley put the Plums 2-1 up. Raiders restored parity on the hour through the industrious Billingham, the midfield general rattling in from 25 yards out.

Karl Gormley’s men had two chances in quick succession to edge ahead through Kai Mahon and Isaac Cooper, but both efforts were repelled by the keeper and then the woodwork respectively.

After missing a sitter on 78 minutes, a chance which should have put Pershore ahead, the visitors were not to be denied their winning goal through Steele who crashed the ball home from just inside the box.

The goal sparked scenes of jubilation among the visiting fans in the stands, with the result keeping Pershore in the play-off hunt. Meanwhile, Raiders will need to lick their wounds and prepare for this Saturday’s clash with Malmesbury Vics.