After Raiders excellent midweek cup performance against Bromsgrove Sporting expectations were high for the league game against Droitwich Spa. However the game didn’t go to plan - some games you have to accept that things are not going well and defeat is the likely outcome.

First Half

The game had a lively start with two goals within the first seven minutes. In the fourth
minute a scramble in the Raiders box resulted in Droitwich being awarded a penalty -
Spa’s Josh Hurdman had gone down as Charlie came out to gather the ball at his feet. The penalty was best described as dubious, as Charlie looked to have two hands on the ball before Hurdman went down. Ben Tilbury made no mistake from the spot to put Spa one up. Just three minutes later Raiders were given an opportunity to get on level terms, as a penalty was awarded for hand ball. Prince Henry calmly slotted home the penalty.

As the half progressed Droitwich took control of the game and kept pressing forward, coming close to scoring when Charlie saved a Jack Brighton shot. Droitwich finally got their second goal from a well taken corner, with Spa’s Alex Dugmore rising above all others to head home. Not long after Charlie was again called into action, making an incredible one handed save to turn the ball around the post.

Second Half

It didn’t take long for Raiders to find themselves conceding a third goal, when a headed back pass to Charlie was not strong enough to reach him. Josh Hurdman pounced on the ball to round Charlie and tap the ball into the net. Numerous attacking substitutions were made by Manager Jordan Lewis. Lincoln Hunt had an immediate impact off the bench, following a huge kick by Charlie, Lincoln split two defenders to nod the ball home. Spa soon restored their two goal lead, when James Lemon delivered a deep cross for Dugmore to head in for his second.

Raiders competed better towards the end of the game, including an Adam Taylor shot
being cleared off the line. Raiders fans would probably agree that today’s game was not up to our usual standard. The impact of playing on Tuesday must have taken a toll on the team. However, Sam Whitton and Taylor Eades both put in a good performance, and Bailey Fuller, Adam Taylor and Lincoln Hunt made positive contributions when they came on.

Definitely not a game to dwell on, a disappointing result for all involved. The players were definitely trying to put the effort in, however things did not click into gear for them. Best to draw a line under this game, regroup and move on to next week’s challenging game, against promotion seeking Roman Glass St George.

Next Games
Hellenic Premier League
03 January 2026
Roman Glass St George
DOADC Claines Lane Worcester WR3 7SS
Kick off 3:00pm

Hellenic Premier League
10 January 2026
Hereford Pegasus
DOADC Claines Lane Worcester WR3 7SS
Kick off 3:00pm