Worcester Raiders secured their eighth straight victory in dramatic fashion, overcoming Mangotsfield United 5–3 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw in the UHL Cup quarter-final.

Raiders once again showed their trademark resilience, coming from behind to keep their impressive run alive and book a place in the semi-finals.

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Bright Start, Setback Before the Break

With first-choice goalkeeper Charlie Emery suspended, Under-18s keeper Travis Reid was handed the gloves, while fellow U18 George Hadley also came into the starting XI — a bold selection that underlined the club’s faith in its young talent.

Raiders began on the front foot and nearly took the lead inside 10 minutes. Man of the Match Adam Taylor spotted the Mangotsfield keeper off his line and audaciously attempted a long-range effort that floated goalwards, only to crash back off the crossbar.

Despite their strong start, Raiders were caught out in the 28th minute. Mangotsfield broke quickly down the right; the initial effort was saved, but the loose ball was scrambled home to give the visitors a 1–0 lead at the break.

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Second-Half Fightback

As they have done so often in recent weeks, Raiders responded with determination after the interval.

The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute following excellent work from Bailey Fuller and George Hadley. Fuller teed up Hadley, who spun brilliantly in the box and forced a fine save from the Mangotsfield keeper. The rebound fell kindly to Jordan Murphy, who reacted quickest to fire home and level the scores.

Raiders completed the turnaround in the 73rd minute. A swift move down the right — again involving Hadley and Fuller — found Adam Taylor, who controlled perfectly in stride before burying his finish to make it 2–1.

With victory seemingly within reach, Mangotsfield found a late response in the 87th minute, scrambling home an equaliser. A chaotic final six minutes saw both sides create chances to avoid the shootout, but neither could find a winner.

Full-time: 2–2. Straight to penalties.

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Penalty Shootout Drama

For the second time in just a few weeks, Raiders held their nerve from the spot.

Jordan Murphy, Bailey Fuller, Adam Taylor, Harry Lewis and — to win it — Jake Donnelly all converted confidently. Young goalkeeper Travis Reid then produced a crucial save to give Raiders the edge.

The shootout finished 5–3, sealing an eighth consecutive win and another memorable night in cup competition.

⭐ Man of the Match

Adam Taylor

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