Today sees the much anticipated clash between local rivals, Droitwich Spa and Worcester Raiders in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Junior Cup. Both teams have been in good form recently and Droitwich won against the Raiders in the Final of the competition last year by 3-2 in a very close game.
The Raiders chairman, Kevin Jenkins, has said in the local press that his team are looking to get revenge this time round. The 'Salt Men' of Droitwich will probably have different ideas though, especially after their record 10-1 league victory last week.
It's good weather today (a bit chilly) and after my short train journey from Worcester, have a cooked all day breakfast in town and then walk to the Spa's Briar Mill ground.
When I get there 10 minutes before kick-off (@2pm) I have a chat with the Raiders secretary, George McPherson. He is a bit worried as his side have 2 regular defenders out today.
There looks to be a healthy 3 figure crowd today and I just know it's going to be a close game. Finally the 2 teams come out, with Droitwich in their home strip of red and black and the visitors in their alternative dark blue kit.
Straight from the kick-off, James Lemon puts through Nick Seabourne on the Raiders goal and his effort goes just the wrong side of the left hand post.
Both sides in the first 20 minutes fashion chances but it's the hosts who go in to the lead when in an attack down the left, the Worcester keeper, Dan Stevens, rushes out to the edge of his area to meet the Spa striker, James Lemon, changes his mind but it's too late as Lemon chips the stranded Stevens for an easy goal.
From then on it's Droitwich who gain the upper hand and it's Lemon again in the 28th minute to score after being put through by Seabourne. Mr. McPherson's fears seem to have credibility. It gets worse for the visitors when the lively Luke Molloy heads home just 2 minutes later.
(James Lemon hugs fellow forward, Nick Seabourne after scoring his 2nd goal)
Worcester Raiders have another set back when their No.5, Richard Tomkins, has to go off (as shown below) with an injury.
Fortunately it's not all doom and gloom for them, as they show their fighting spirit in the 42nd minute, by reducing the deficit when Martin Newman hits home from close range after the ball falls to him after a free kick from the left.
So 3-1 for 'the Spa' at half-time but Worcester Raiders are not down and out just yet.
Indeed they are getting more in to the game in the second half and after 13 minutes have a shot cleared off the line. Just 2 minutes later and they pull back another goal when their captain, Joel Hobbs, scores with a great near post header from a corner.
The almost inevitable equaliser comes from Martin Newman who smashes home his shot in to the roof of the net after good work on the right by Anthony Smith.
(Martin Newman is mobbed by his team mates after hitting the equaliser)
Droitwich don't look such an attacking force in this half and a saved shot from Lemon is their only decent effort.
(Worcester Raiders clear from this corner)
With full time and the prospect of a penalty shoot out looming, it's Raiders who seal a remarkable come back when their midfielder, Matt Tyler, shoots in to the net from the edge of the penalty area.
A few minutes later and it's all over. The Raiders are in the final and will face new club Montpellier, next April.
Most of the spectators here today would have agreed that this game was worthy of a final and it was also a great advert for the local football scene. So now Spa will have to focus more on their league campaign and Raiders will be looking to cut the points deficit with Hereford Lads Club in Div 1 of the West Midlands League.
Match entrance fee: free
Match attendance: 145
Match programme: £1
Match entertainment: 9/10
I visited Hereford for the second week running, as a local team of mine (Worcester Raiders) were playing the runaway leaders, Hereford Lads Club who have won all their 15 league games so far. I read in the Worcester News this morning that the Raiders Chairman, Kevin Jenkins, says the team are confident of a win today and will be bringing a coach load of supporters too!
It's a grey and drizzly day but with the promise of better weather, further west. I travel to Hereford OK on the train and after getting some lunch and a wander round the city centre, get to the ground just before kick-off at 2pm. Lads Club's ground is also the ground for the County FA and is situated very close to Westfield's Allpay Park, who are playing in the FA Vase today.
Lads Club are playing in a royal blue kit and Raiders are decked out in an all dark blue strip.
Lads Club go close after 10 minutes when their No.9 hits the bar with a header and in the early stages dominate the play. The Raiders defence is standing up well to the home sides lively attack and have certainly improved a lot from when I saw them in action in a pre-season friendly in July.
The Raiders threaten after 25 minutes when they have a shot on the right turned round for a corner and then take the lead when Martin Newman pounces to score from close range, eight minutes later.
Soon after Raiders forward, Richard Smith has a shot blocked by keeper Steve Bell and are well on top now. Their No.4 also shoots across Lads Club's goal but the league leaders do threaten in the last minute with a glancing header that just goes wide.
It's been a very lively and competitive 45 minutes and difficult to predict the outcome. I have talked to the photographer from the Hereford Times newspaper, Colin Maggs a bit and he is off now to the Westfields match. We both agree that the conditions today are making good quality photos difficult to take, with it drizzling when it was supposed to keep dry this afternoon.
When play resumes it only takes 2 minutes for the visitors to extend their lead with their No.9, Nick MacPherson, shooting home after some good approach play on the right.
A few minutes later and things take a turn for the worse for the hosts when their No.11 is sent off for dissent apparently. This enables the Raiders to take control of the match and they look dangerous whenever they attack. In the 71st minute, the Lads Club keeper makes 2 very good saves in quick succession (shown below saving from striker Richard Smith).
The result is wrapped up by No.10, Richard Smith, when he beats a defender to the ball and then takes it round keeper Steve Bell before shooting in to the net from a tight angle (shown below taking congratulations from team mates).
A few minutes later and confusion reigns for a while when a Lads Club player goes back on to the pitch before be allowed to do so by the referee. The player is booked and then sent-off after swearing at the ref.
Richard Smith then heads wide a good chance from a corner.
There is a bit more drama near the end of the game when the Lads Club No.5 and manager, Danny Moon, moans at the linesman near me, something like, 'It's bad enough having just 9 players without having just ONE linesman!' He then moans some more at the official and then a Raiders fan who is stood nearby directs a comment to Mr.Moon saying that he's lucky to still be on the pitch. This results in expletives being directed at the fan and then the ref decides he's had enough and duly books the Lads Club manager.
I come across the Worcester Raiders secretary, George MacPherson, when I wander to the club house side of the pitch. He tells me that the club had indeed hired a coach but had been delayed a while in the traffic. This explains why it looked as though there were only about 30 spectators at the match when I arrived.
The game ends soon after and the Worcester Raiders players are understandably elated.They have put in a great performance and I was particularly impressed by their defence. They have several games in hand on the teams above them and look to be good for a top 4 finish at least.
Lads Club definitely have some quality players in their side and it will be difficult for any other team even at this stage of the season to overhaul them, although Worcester Raiders who have 6 games in hand will give it a go I'm sure.
Match attendance: approx 80
Match entrance fee: £3
Match programme: none available
Match entertainment value: 8/10
A new season beckons on the horizon and today I have decided to visit my closest local team in the shape of Worcester Raiders, who ply their trade in Division 1 of the West Midlands Regional League.
When I arrive at Claines Lane, right on the northern edge of Worcester I am immediately worried when I can't hear any activity from the direction of the ground. It's 1:45 pm and the kick-off was advertised for 2:00 pm. I walk through the small car park and see that there are 2 teams going through their warm up exercises. Today's opponents were advertised a few days ago as being Hereford Lads Club.
I see one of the match officials nearby and ask him about the kick-off time as nobody appears to be in a hurry and there are only a few minutes to go. He tells me that it will be a 2:30 pm start instead and because Lads Club cancelled, this fixture was hastily rearranged and now the Raiders will be playing Sutton United from Div 2 of the Midland Football League. It will be tough on the players today as the temperature is hitting the 25 degree mark.
I had seen the Raiders play in February this year soon after I had lost my previous camera. They had lost that day and had been hovering near the bottom of the league table. Shortly after that they improved greatly in the last third of the season and finished in a respectable mid table position.
At 2:30 pm the teams are ready on the field with the Raiders in their blue strip and the visitors decked out in green and black.
After an even first 10 minutes it's the home team who score first through their top striker, Richard Smith who slots the ball home from the left.
Sutton go close soon after when the Raiders keeper has to make a good block and Richard Smith then shoots just wide in the very next attack.
Sutton look menacing in attack at times and after 30 minutes are awarded a penalty when their No.16 is barged over in the area. The kick is duly dispatched with the Raiders keeper sent the wrong way (as shown below).
In this half during a drinks break allowed by the ref, the linesman on my side of the pitch comes over to me and asks if I'm taking photos for Sutton United. I tell him I'm from Worcester and then he realises that we met before in February. It's a guy called George MacPherson whose son Neil plays for the Raiders. George has been roped in today to run the line and he tells me that he is now the Club Secretary. He says the club are planning on getting promotion this season.
In the 33rd minute the Raiders No.8 has a shot cleared off the line after goal mouth melee and in the next attack they have a shot that hits the bar.
Not to be outdone Sutton then hit a post from a free kick but 2 minutes before the break, it's that man Richard Smith to score his and the Raiders second goal after being put through by a great pass on the left (as shown below).
Soon after Richard Smith cuts the ball back after a good move down the right only for the ball to be shot over the bar.
It's been quite an even end to end encounter so far with Worcester Raiders probably just deserving their half time lead.
The hosts lose their lead straight after the restart though when Sutton's No.9 shoots home after a cute pass lets him in on the left.
After 65 minutes Sutton take the lead when one of their players chases after the ball with Raiders defender with the keeper coming out. I can't see what happens next except the ball ends up in the back of the net and the goal stands.
After 32 minutes the Raiders No.12 is put through on the right but his shot is saved.
With several substitutions in this half, the game fizzles out and Sutton United end up winning in what has been a good work out for both sides.
Worcester Raiders certainly look good in attack, especially when Richard Smith is playing but their defence does look shaky at times.
Match attendance: approx 25
Match entrance fee: free
Match programme: none available
Match entertainment: 7/10
Due to time constraints today, I am going to a local game. It's going to be the Worcestershire (Saturday) Junior Cup game between Worcester Raiders and Fairfield Villa (who hail from the village just outside Bromsgrove) in the north of the county.
It's going to be my second visit to see the Raiders who play at Claines Lane, right on the northern edge of Worcester. I was very impressed by them when seeing their 10-1 win against Team Dudley 2 months ago and I have a feeling it's going to be a cracking game against a very useful Fairfield team, who ply their trade in the 2nd Division of the Midland Football League.
I take the No.144 Birmingham bound from Worcester bus station at 1:30pm for my short journey. I'm feeling pleased with myself as I should get to the ground with 10 minutes to spare. However when the bus is going past the Neel Park, the ground of Perrywood FC, to my dismay I see that their match is already under way. I then realise that they must have a 1:30 pm kick-off and I think that they too are playing in the Junior Cup too today. I later find out that they were playing Inkberrow in that competition.
So when I disembark from the bus and walk the short distance to the ground, I'm not surprised to see the players moving around behind the tree cover from the road. Just shows that you need to check these things before the match. What a numpty!
As I am late I am able to walk in without paying the usual £3 entrance fee. I walk over to where the teams are playing and can see that both sides are in their usual colours. Worcester Raiders in red and black and Fairfield in yellow and blue.
After a few minutes I witness Fairfield miss a good chance when a shot from the left just goes wide.
Then Fairfield have a player sent off! On the left hand side of the pitch I see the referee stop play, then after talking to some Fairfield players I see one of their players trooping off the field. I have no idea why this has happened as I hadn't noticed anything untoward happening. I later find out his name is Olly Booth.
Then a few minutes later, after I have retrieved the ball for the Fairfield keeper, I ask him what the score is and he informs me that his team are already 2-0 up.
Worcester Raiders cut the deficit when their No.11 goes down the left and cuts back the ball for their incoming No.10 and captain, Richard Smith to score from close range. It looks like we are going to see a lot of goals this afternoon!
Although Fairfield are down to 10 men, they are still the more dangerous looking team. They go close again when their No.9, Connor Collins, floats the ball over the advancing Raiders keeper only to see the ball skim the bar and out of play.
They do extend their lead soon after when the ball isn't cleared properly after a free kick and Connor Collins heads home. The same player scores again six minutes later, giving him a first half hat trick and his team a formidable looking 4-1 lead.
I realise that the kick-off must have been at 1:45pm, even though it should have been 1:30pm. So I have been lucky and have only missed the first 5 minutes of the match. Enough to miss the the first 2 goals though!
I saw in the local press a few weeks ago that this ground is owned by the Worcestershire County Council and the lease will be ending soon. There are several teams that use the ground as well as Worcester Raiders and there is the possibility that the cash strapped council could sell the ground. This would be a great pity as we need to keep good sporting facilities like this one, especially now that the Raiders are are the premier football team in the city given that Worcester City are in exile at Kidderminster.
The teams come out again after a 10 minute break and Fairfield emphasise their dominance of the game by scoring a fifth in the very first minute. Collins takes the ball down the right and rolls the ball inside for the No.11 to hit home an easy chance.
Worcester Raiders aren't going down without a fight and 6 minutes later their No.7 hits a shot against the post when it looks easier to score. After about 20 minutes though Worcester score a second when the impressive Richard Smith guides in a header at the far post after meeting a cross from the left.
After 23 minutes Richard Smith runs on to a good through ball but pushes the ball just wide of the far post (as seen below).
Fairfield Villa score again though in the very next minute. A Fairfield player had taken the ball round the Raiders keeper, sees his shot cleared off the line only for Fairfield's No.12 to put in the rebound.
5 minutes later, the Fairfield No.10, John Pykett, slots home after being left unmarked at the far post after the ball is played in from the right.
Worcester Raiders get a third goal when Richard Smith completes a well deserved hat trick.
So the game ends with a 7-3 win for the visitors and a place in the semi-final awaits them in this competition. They played impressively today but have been helped by a woeful defensive display by the Raiders, who I think need to tighten things up in midfield and at the back. They play a cavalier attacking style that's good to watch, have a very good front man in Richard Smith but just concede too many goals I think to be serious title contenders in the West Midland Div One. I hope things turn out well for them as regards the future of their ground.
Match entertainment: 8/10
Entrance fee: usually £3 but got in free
Match programme: Not sure if there was one today
Match attendance: about 25
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.
(Team Dudley's No.7 is stopped in unorthodox fashion by his marker)
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
I find myself going back to Malvern today to watch another match in the Worcester Sunday League. Again it's at the Langland Stadium but this time it's to watch a Division 2 encounter between Malvern Rangers and the league leaders, Worcester Raiders.
When I set out on the train from the Shrub Hill rail station in Worcester, it's sunny but with a bit of a chilly breeze. Nothing too unpleasant though.
Again, I'm going to a Sunday match due to other commitments that rules out watching a match on a Saturday. Originally I had thought of going to see Lye Town play at Bilston Town in the West Midlands League on Saturday, as I still haven't made it to their ground for a visit yet.
After getting off at Great Malvern station I walk up hill to the town centre and get some breakfast at the local Costa Coffee shop as I can get a free coffee with my loyalty card.
When I get down to the stadium just before 10:30 am, I'm surprised that the game has already started! I hope they didn't start at 10am.
I quickly walk in to the ground and set myself up alongside the goal at the southern end of the ground. Worcester Raiders are playing in yellow & blue while Malvern are in a red & white kit.
The Raiders are showing why they are the league leaders as Malvern Rangers don't seem to be able to get out of their own half. Five minutes after I have arrived and Worcester take the lead. I find out at half time that I only missed the first 4 minutes but I'm still mystified as to the reason for the early kick-off?
Although Worcester Raiders are still the better team, for the next 30 minutes, Malvern put up a better fight of it, although they don't threaten the Raiders goal much.
Then Worcester score another goal and only a minute later have a third in the back of the net, (the shot is shown below).
While I am taking photos, a young guy in a track suit who I had seen pacing up and down the touch line nearby comes over to talk to me. He is with the Worcester Raiders team and asks me if I'm taking photos for the Worcester News. I tell him I'm just taking them for my Blog but will send the newspaper some photos just in case they have a use for them. I tell him that I had a photo published in the Malvern Gazette from a game 2 weeks ago and I give him the address for this Blog. Later I wish I had got his email address from him so that he could identify some of the Raiders players for me.
He did put me right on the fact that his team are different to the other Raiders team in Worcester, who are correctly called WCT Raiders and their Sunday team play in this league's Premier Division!
Back to the game and just before half-time, Rangers have a corner and their No.10 gets in a header which just goes over the bar.
So it's 0-3 at the interval and looks like a matter of how many Worcester Raiders can score to boost their goal difference. The interval only lasts for 5 minutes and then we're off again. These Sunday players are made of sterner stuff obviously! Either that or they wan't to get to the pub early.
Raiders score another 4 goals in this half. They are usually quicker to the ball, have stronger players and some of the Malvern Rangers players look very young. One of them only looks about 15! So it's a bit of a mis-match football wise and it's obvious that the Raiders are destined for bigger things when they get promoted.
One of the highlights for me in this half is the Raiders fifth goal which is rifled in to the corner of the net by their No.9 I think. Very good shot.
Also I'm impressed by the skill of the Rangers No.10 (featured above) who at one point in this half keeps possession from 4 Worcester players in succession.
So Worcester Raiders have gained a convincing win today at Rangers expense, who have looked a bit demoralised in the last 20 minutes.
I reckon there were about 20 spectators at this morning's match. When I walk back to Great Malvern station, I look up at the Malvern Hills in front of me and can see that the sunnier weather has brought out the walkers in large numbers as I can see lots of people on the top of the Worcestershire Beacon, which is the tallest hill.
Just a few weeks to go till the end of the season and not many opportunities to visit new grounds.
