It was a disappointing night in Leicestershire as two quick second-half goals put the tie beyond Worcester Raiders and brought this season’s FA Cup journey to an early end.

Following Saturday’s 0–0 draw at Claines Lane, Raiders travelled to Ashby knowing there was everything to play for in the replay.

First Half

The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides battling for control in midfield.

Raiders applied much of the early pressure and played some excellent football, creating space and looking to get on the front foot.

There was an early moment of confusion in the Ashby penalty area between goalkeeper Alfie Hoskins and a defender, but Hoskins recovered well and managed to clear before Raiders could capitalise.

On 17 minutes, Ashby broke through the Raiders defence. Jordan Stoddart provided excellent cover, winning the ball from Rumai Johnson, who went down under the challenge. The referee pointed for an Ashby free kick and booked Stoddart. The home side appealed for a red card, believing Stoddart was the last man, but the referee stood by his decision.

Raiders continued to search for the opening goal, with both Jordan Murphy and Prince Henry firing efforts over the bar.

GOAL – Ashby Ivanhoe 1–0 Worcester Raiders

Ashby finished the half strongly and took the lead on 40 minutes. Following a corner, a scramble developed inside the Raiders penalty area before the ball fell to George Clark, who finished from close range.

Four minutes later, Raiders goalkeeper Charlie Emery produced an excellent save after Johnson was played through, getting down quickly to prevent Ashby doubling their advantage before the break.

Half-time: Ashby Ivanhoe 1–0 Worcester Raiders

Second Half

Raiders came out needing a response, but Ashby struck again ten minutes into the second half.

GOAL – Ashby Ivanhoe 2–0 Worcester Raiders

On 55 minutes, Nathaniel Wallace laid the ball into the path of Johnson, who finished beyond Emery to give the hosts a two-goal advantage.

GOAL – Ashby Ivanhoe 3–0 Worcester Raiders

Eight minutes later, Ashby made it three. George Teeney found himself one-on-one with Emery and calmly lifted the ball over the Raiders goalkeeper and into the net.

Despite the setback, Raiders refused to give in and continued to work hard in an attempt to find a route back into the tie.

Both Jake Donnelly and Adam Taylor had efforts, while there was also a goalmouth scramble in the Ashby penalty area as Raiders continued to press.

GOAL – Ashby Ivanhoe 3–1 Worcester Raiders

Raiders finally got their reward in the 71st minute following some excellent teamwork. Taylor was released into space and produced a powerful finish to reduce the deficit to 3–1.

Raiders continued to push forward and came close again when a header forced Hoskins into an excellent save.

The visitors kept battling until the final whistle, but there was to be no late comeback and Ashby progressed to the next round.

Full-time: Ashby Ivanhoe 3–1 Worcester Raiders

It was a disappointing result for everyone involved, but certainly not a night where the effort of the players could be questioned. Raiders continued to work, battle and push until the end.

There is little time to dwell on the result, with attention now turning to a historic occasion for the club.

NEXT UP – SOUTHERN LEAGUE DEBUT

Saturday 15 August 2026
Worcester Raiders v Larkhall Athletic
Southern League Division One
? Claines Lane, Worcester
⏰ 3:00pm Kick-Off

After achieving promotion last season, Raiders will take to the field at the highest level in the club’s 25-year history.

A huge afternoon awaits. Come and be part of it.

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