Worcester Raiders enjoy convincing win over Bromyard Town

Volunteers Phil Dinsley and Paul Loader spent most of the morning working on the frozen Claines Lane pitch to get it playable.

Raiders came out of the blocks quickly down the slope and in the seventh minute a passing move between Anthony Smith and Martin Newman allowed the latter to slot home.

Another slick move down the right put Richard Tomkins through but Bromyard keeper Alex Rhodes saved with his feet.

On 20 minutes a fine low cross from Newman was fired home from close range by Nick MacPherson at the far post.

Bromyard were reeling and a Smith through-ball looked like being the keeper’s but the alert MacPherson got there first and was bundled over.

Smith outfoxed the keeper, chipping the resulting penalty down the centre to make it 3-0 on the half-hour.

Bromyard’s Nathan Myers was cautioned for a rash challenge on Sam Carey and manager Graham Glenister substituted him.

But Town reduced the deficit within a minute of the second half.

However, the skilful Smith caused problems and a mazy run into the box was ended by a foul, allowing him to score again from the spot.

Bromyard then bossed possession with Ryan Glenister dictating play and they scored a deflected second goal.

However, Raiders were always dangerous on the counter and on 80 minutes a free-flowing move involving Newman and Smith was finished off by MacPherson.

Top scorer Newman put the icing on his team’s display with a superb 20-yard strike into the top corner for his second goal.

Raiders host FC Stafford on Saturday (2pm).

The Herefordshire derby between leaders Hereford Lads Club and Kington Town was postponed.

In the Premier Division, Malvern Town’s game with Stone Old Alleynians at the HDanywhere Community Stadium was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Wellington drew 2-2 with Pegasus Juniors in another Herefordshire derby, while Bewdley Town lost 4-2 at Haughmond.

Malvern Town Reserves went down 4-1 at Division Two table-toppers Telford Juniors.