I have decided to visit a local team today, namely Worcester Raiders who play at Claines Lane on the northern outskirts of my home city. Last season they were promoted from the 2nd Division of the West Midlands League and are doing well this season too. Their opponents today are Team Dudley, who are the senior team of Dudley College and I saw them play last season at Cadbury Athletic in the Birmingham Vase.
Also I didn't see many games in this league last season and want to rectify this this season as it is this League's 125th anniversary season.
I have transport problems at the bus station as the No 144 bus does not leave until 2:40pm rather than the advertised 2:30pm. The slowness of the driver making his way from the staff room to the bus is a sight to behold and is a good reminder of why I try to avoid using their services as much as possible. It amazes me that this does not seem to faze my fellow passengers.....they must be resigned to having such a crap service!
I make it to the ground just before kick-off and I'm quite surprised to see 2 young lads sitting at a table which acts as a turnstile for the ground. When I came here 2 years ago to see the now defunct Archdales FC, there was no charge. I pay the £3 entrance, £1 for raffle tickets and receive a free four page programme. I certainly don't mind paying the money as I'm sure the club have plenty of expenses.
As I walk the short distance to the pitch I realise the teams are just about to kick off. The Raiders are in a red and black strip while the Dudley side are in all blue.
Just as I am getting my camera out of my rucksack, I quickly look up to see the ball nestling in the corner of the net after Worcester Raiders have scored direct from a corner (courtesy of Anthony Smith I find out later). This leaves me inwardly cursing the bus company for helping me miss the goal.
Fortunately I don't have to wait long for the next one! After 5 minutes, the Raiders striker, Jamie Insall, steals possession off a Dudley defender (as shown below) and slots the ball past the advancing keeper.
Just 3 minutes later, the Raiders win a free kick which is quickly taken and No.17, Joey Haines lifts the ball over the keeper for goal number 3, (as shown below).
The Raiders front line is certainly causing the students a lot of problems with their movement and tenacity in hunting down the ball. This is typified by Jamie Insall, who has a proven track record of goal scoring at this level. Team Dudley also make life difficult for themselves at times by not clearing the ball quickly enough.
After 28 minutes, Insall has scored his second after lobbing the keeper.
It's certainly not all one way traffic though and Team Dudley pull a goal back when after a mistake by a Worcester defender, their impressive No.7 lobs the ball over the advancing home keeper.
Also the visitors nearly get a second when after good work by their No.9 a shot is well saved by the young Jackson Huxley.
So it's 4-1 to the Raiders at half-time and now looks to be just a matter of how big the winning margin will be.
It's a very pleasant day to watch this game and the ground has a rural feel to it with trees on 2 sides, more trees behind the higher ground at the back, with another pitch on the left hand side. There are a set of steps leading up to the club house and changing rooms between the 2 pitches. Some of the spectators have been watching the contest sat outside the club house where they must have a good elevated view of the ground. On the right hand side of the pitch is a small covered area flanked by both dug-outs. There are no floodlights and I wonder if Worcester Raiders will be looking to erect some if they qualify for promotion?
After Iv'e checked the Premiership's half time scores, the teams are trooping back on to the pitch and the Raiders have soon scored again after some slack defending and their No.6 has again lobbed the keeper.
Team Dudley soon go on the attack and twice go close to scoring themselves.
Then it's that man Insall again with him blasting the ball home after having his first shot blocked and the defence failing to clear it. 2 minutes later he's scored his 4th goal after shooting in the ball off the outside of his boot.
3 minutes later in the 66th minute, it's goal number 8 when the Raiders No.6, Ben Harbourne has headed in from a corner and before he is substituted, Insall sees a shot crash off the underside of the bar and out!
The Raiders last 2 goals are scored by their No.10, Richard Smith, who has scored 7 goals already before today.
Team Dudley have most of the play in the last 15 minutes and their No.7 has a good run and shoots just past the post.
So 10-1 is the final scoreline and as a result of this big score, Worcester Raiders jump up to second place behind Bromyard Town in the league table.
The Raiders certainly have a dangerous forward line with Insall and Richard Smith always likely to score goals in most games and Richard's brother Anthony, providing the unexpected and unusual with his dribbling skills. It will be interesting to see how they fare against stronger, more experienced opposition this season.
Team Dudley were promoted to this division from last season and they could struggle in this one although they do have some skilful players, especially up front.
Match attendance: 25-35?
Match entrance fee: £3
Match programme: free
Entertainment value: 8/10
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