Worcester’s season so far has seen them play 16 games, winning nine, drawing five and losing two, with a goal difference of 13, in comparison Darlaston’s playing record of winning eight, drawing five and losing three from a same amount of games.

Therefore, the records of both teams are quite even, and it looks like it will be a tight game, the same as earlier in the Season. In early September both sides met at The Paycare Ground which resulted in a 3-3 draw after Darlaston lost their concentration late in the game after being 3-1 up after 74 minutes.

Following that match, Worcester went through the remainder of September unbeaten, beating Gornal Athletic 2-1 at home, Kington 2-0 away and Wrens Nest 4-3 at home. October was a mixed month for Worcester Raiders – two 2-1 away wins at Old Wulfrunians and St. Martins at the start of the month followed by a two 3-3 draws away at Newport Town and at home against Willenhall Town.

November saw two fixtures at the beginning of the month, a 2-1 away win at Tipton Town and a 0-0 home draw with Telford Juniors.

December, one game at the beginning and the end of the month both important games, a 3-3 draw with Old Wulfrunians and a 1-0 away loss at second place team Wem Town. In the last 6 weeks, Worcester Raiders have only played two games, so their players should be nice and rested for Saturdays’ fixture.

Worcester Raiders history is like many teams at this level growing from Youth football. The Club formed in 2001 as a Youth set-up, providing football for children of all ages and continued until 2010 when they changed their name to W.C.T. Raiders (Worcester Community Trust) and they are still going to this day.

During 2009 following the success of the Youth Team set-up, Club Chairman Kevin Jenkins decided to set up an Adult Team to give the Youth players an opportunity of continuing to represent the Club after finishing at U16 Youth Level.

Initially they joined the Worcester & District Football League Division Two, the team went from strength to strength and in four Seasons won seven Cups, promotion twice and the Saturday Premiership League Title.

Following their success locally Worcester Raiders decided to step up and join The West Midlands Regional League for the 2013/14 Season and were placed in Division Two.

A successful first Season saw Worcester Raiders finish in third place, which was enough to secure promotion into Division One where they have remained ever since.

After promotion, each Season has seen progression in the League finishing fourteenth in their first Season, twelfth in their second and finally third last Season missing out on promotion into The Premier Division by 10 points behind Champions Wednesfield Town.

Worcester Raiders Cup success has continued winning The Division One League Cup in 2015. Worcestershire County F.A. Junior Cup runners up in 2016 and at the end of last Season saw Worcester Raiders win The Worcester County F.A. Junior Cup, beating Midland League rivals Montpellier 1-0 in the final.

Saturdays’ game looks to provide, on paper, it will be a close fixture with goals. Entry is free to Worcester Raiders Ground so why not come and support Darlaston.

Kick-off is at 2.00 p.m. and the ground address is;

Claines Lane, Worcester, WR3 7SS

We hope to see you there.