Raiders extended their unbeaten 2026 run with a dazzling second-half performance. Which
included two goals in two minutes, to turn around a halftime deficit against a “well-coached” Longlevens.

Raiders line Up: Charlie Emery, Adam Taylor, Taylor Eades, Arthur Squire, Jordan Stoddart, Jake Donnelly, Bailey Fuller, Cam Monteith, Prince Henry, Jordan Murphy (C), Manny Olaloko

Substitutes: Natty Hewett, George Patey, George Hadley, George Watkins, Sam Whitton

First Half

Raiders got off to a slow start, having difficulty containing the pace of the visitors. Longlevens were finding space, playing through Raiders and taking advantage of their possession early on.

Eventually, they took the lead after a defensive mistake saw a shot from Longlevens, which Charlie Emery did well to parry, ricochet to an unmarked player at the back post who had the easiest chance he’ll get to make it one-nil.

While Raiders began to increase their control of the ball, it was Longlevens that went on to make it two-nil. On the 30’ minute mark, a pass from midfield split the Raiders' defence, allowing the Longlevens no. 10 to hit home. Raiders could count themselves lucky not to be three down when Charlie came to the rescue, diving across his goal line to push the ball around the post. This was followed by a corner kick that Jordan Stoddart sent towards his own goal, which was blocked on the line.

As the game headed towards the halftime break Raiders became more involved, pulling a goal back. A great passage of passing play ended when Bailey Fuller crossed the ball in the box for it to be bundled into the goal by a Longlevens defender, pulling one back for Raiders. This was not the last action of the half as within minutes Longlevens’ no. 9 went through on goal, Charlie did well to come off his line to save at the feet of the striker.

Half-time saw Raiders trailing two to one following an under-par first-half performance.

Manager, Jordan Lewis, said: “first half, we were nowhere near where I wanted us to be, the opposition were quality and made us pay for our slackness”.

Second Half

Following the introduction of Sam Whitton, from the subs’ bench at the restart, Raiders turned in their best second-half performance of the season. They played some great one-touch passes, they looked more threatening in attack, and the defence began to contain the Longlevens forwards.

In the 52nd minute, after some excellent build-up play, the ball found Jordan Murphy, who powered the ball into the net, giving the keeper no chance. Just two minutes later, Bailey Fuller made it three. Prince Henry’s tricky run and inch-perfect cross to Bailey saw him head into the back of the net. Jake Donnolly was unlucky in his attempt to increase the lead from a corner when his powerful header rattled the Longlevens crossbar.

Longlevens pressed forward in search of an equaliser, hitting the crossbar, with Charlie pulling off another brilliant save to push the ball over the bar from the follow-up.

In injury time, with the Visitors searching for an equaliser, there was a quick
counterattack by Raiders. Adam Taylor came out of defence, flying down the right wing, passing the last Longlevens defender to cut across and score in the corner of the net to make it four and seal the win.

Lewis said: “They were playing a different system than we expected and identified that at the break, we were much better winning 50/50’s, tactically and with our intensity”.

The second half saw a stunning display from Raiders, earning a well-deserved win at the end of a competitive game. Manager Jordan Lewis’ introduction of Sam Whitton changed the game, with Sam turning in another excellent performance. Jordan Murphy is having his best season at Raiders, and Jake Donnolly, in addition to his solid defensive displays, continues to trouble opposing defences with his long throws and strong attacking headers. Emery has been an excellent last line of defence, delivering brilliant saves in every game he plays.

A special mention goes to Man of the Match, Adam Taylor, playing out of position in right full-back, who turned in an excellent defensive display and an incredible goal that must be in contention for goal of the season.

Lewis said: “He’s really talented, the goal will do him some good. He played out of position to help to deal with the pace Longelevns have down the wing. We moved him up late on, and he went and scored. I'm buzzing for him.”

Raiders have won all five games played in January. This win sees them climb into the playoff
spots, above their Gloucestershire rivals Cirencester Town, with two games in hand.

Next Games

HPL
Saturday 31st January
Westfields
Kick off 3:00 pm DOADC, Claines Lane, WR3 7SS

Wiseman Floodlit Cup
Tuesday 3rd February
Hereford Pegasus
Kick off 7:45pm DOADC, Claines Lane, WR3 7SS

Written by Sam Joseph - Worcester Raiders Reporter