WORCESTER Raiders' downturn in form continued with a 3-1 home defeat to Darlaston Town in West Midlands League Division One.

The teams were reduced to 10 men on 20 minutes when Raiders forward Martin Fowler reacted to a Ryan McAllister foul and a melee ensued with both players being sent off.

After a tight goalless first half, Darlaston then coped with the heavy Claines Lane pitch better in the second period to win despite a goal for Glen Sitch.

Raiders' fifth match without a win kept them fifth in the table but their visitors moved up to join them level on points in sixth position.

The two teams held a silence beforehand in memory of Richard Eades, who dressed up as West Bromwich Albion's Baggie bird mascot, after the 42-year-old died suddenly on Boxing Day.

Raiders started the match brighter with Fowler going close on several occasions as former Worcester City player Chris Cornes and Paul Smith led the way.

Darlaston eased their way into the clash after the two red cards and then went ahead inside the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Tyrone Clarke O'Connell crossed for Leon Taylor to head back across keeper Dan Norcott into the net.

Although Anthony Smith tested away keeper Aaron Morris, Darlaston took over and forced Norcott into several saves.

They went two ahead on 62 minutes when a poor clearance from a corner was returned with interest by Lucas Hough from 20 yards.

Anthony Smith and George Corbett efforts were dealt with by Morris before Darlaston's third goal on 79 minutes thanks to a fine solo effort from Clarke O'Connell.

Sitch put Raiders on the scoresheet from Luke Molloy's corner but Worcester could not secure a 3-3 draw as they did at Darlaston in the league in September.

Raiders need a match-day secretary and anyone interested is asked to email their chairman Kevin Jenkins at mrscuffnchip@gmail.com.

They also require volunteers to help during match-days.

Raiders host 12th-placed Allscott in the league on Saturday (2pm).