A strong first half performance from Worcester Raiders saw the Hellenic League Premier Division promotion chasers claim a 2-0 victory against Royal Wootton Bassett Town and seal a third win this season against Jonny Aitkenhead's side.

Bailey Fuller's well taken brace of goals proved the difference between the sides as Raiders kept in touch with fellow title contenders Slimbridge, Roman Glass St George and Droitwich Spa in what is proving to be an exciting four horse race for the title.

Knowing what was at stake, Raiders dominated in the opening period, staking out a two goal advantage before half time that they would maintain until the final whistle despite a spirited second half showing from the hosts.

The visitors had been on top in the game's early stages with Manu Olaloko bringing out a low save from Callum Godfrey.

They eventually took the lead midway through the half when Bassett failed to clear from a ball that was hooked forward and Fuller cut in from the right before curling a delicious effort into the net off the left post.

Five minutes later Raiders doubled their lead. A corner fell to Fuller on the edge of the box and he took one touch before arrowing a low drive into the bottom corner.

In fairness it was a masterclass in finishing from the Raiders man with both goals being of a high quality.

Bassett had failed to threaten up until that point - but they almost snatched a goal back when Rudi Hopkins' low drive forced a smart parry from an initially unsighted Charlie Emery. The rebound dropped perfectly for Ben Cleary but he could only stab over from close range.

Fuller almost completed his hat trick shortly after the restart, forcing a punch from Godfrey with a tight angled effort after skilfully manoeuvring past Kian McNally.

But Bassett soon grew into the second half and matched their opponents the rest of the way.

They had good chances to get back into the game too. With Emery stranded, Cleary failed to connect properly with an Ed Taylor cross and headed off target. Gabe Reivers then forced a stop from Emery after Cleary set the ball back to him from Ollie Smith's hanging cross. Late on Emery was equal to a powerful 25 yard drive from Harry Messenger.

It was a decent second half effort from Bassett. But Raiders had done enough first half damage and held on to claim a potentially vital three points in the battle at the top.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 21st March 2026 at 21:24