MARQUEE signing Ryan Rowe has shelved thoughts of retirement to help Worcester Raiders see through their double dream.

The 30-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers, Stourbridge and Worcester City hotshot has spent most of this season out of the game other than a three-match stint with Bewdley Town.

With his focus switching to his son’s development in youth football, the man who Harriers paid a five-figure fee for back in 2012 thought his playing days were over until a chance call from Raiders assistant manager Chris Cornes.

And with the Claines Lane outfit short of strikers for the run-in and two trophies up for grabs, one of the region's most-renowned sharpshooters could not resist the offer.

“I have not really played this season and thought about retiring, I watch my little lad play on Saturdays now,” said Rowe.

“Chris Cornes is someone I go way back with, though, we had a chat and he persuaded me to go down to try to help get them over the line.

“I have known him for years, I played against him when I was a kid and he was at Wolves. I am doing him a favour with (Raiders striker) Josh Weatherby being out."

Rowe’s first outing was from the bench in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Sikh Hunters with tomorrow (Saturday)’s potentially season-defining trip to West Midlands (Regional) League Division One title rivals Darlaston Town (1874) (3pm) next on the agenda.

Raiders lead the way by one point but have a slightly-inferior goal difference.

That means the winners will be in the box seat for the crown and single promotion place irrespective of what happens over Worcester’s abandoned match at Bustleholme, a result that isn’t currently accounted for in the league table.

Raiders were winning 3-1 in the second minute of added time when the match was brought to a premature halt following a brawl involving players and staff from both clubs and members of the crowd.

A draw between Darlo and Raiders would probably result in those points proving decisive but Rowe reckons the spirit in the Worcester camp can help them to remove that factor this weekend.

“I spoke to the lads after Tuesday’s game and said it was the probably the most welcoming dressing rooms I have ever walked into," Rowe added.

"There is a good bunch of lads there, no big-time Charlies, it was great and hopefully that will help to make the difference in getting them over the line. We have a massive game this weekend, the kind every player looks forward to.

“I have enjoyed pulling the boots back on, the sharpness was not really there but it was not too bad. It was a pretty frantic game to come into but it was good to be back.

“When Chris rang me they had three league games and a cup final left, it was hard to say no to the chance of winning two trophies to be honest. The fitness will take some time but I will probably sign for next season and take it from there."

Worcester News will be providing a live feed from the match on our website: worcesternews.co.uk/sport