THE West-Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division season will get back underway this weekend, after it was confirmed by the league on Wednesday evening.

Raiders will therefore face league leaders Shifnal Town away from home on Saturday afternoon (3pm) knowing a win would take them back on top with a game in hand.

The WMRFL released the following statement via their official Twitter channel: “Following tonight’s (Wednesday) meeting, it has been agreed that the premier division will resume this Saturday 19th and all fixtures posted for the 19th & the Christmas period will stand.

“Due to tier regulations Division 1 and 2 are suspended until January 9th.”

Worcester were due to play Redditch United in the ‘Red Recruitment Trophy’ on Friday night but due to league fixtures going ahead, Raiders have withdrawn from the competition.

Chairman Steve Harris admits that focus must now be given to the promotion push.

“We would like to thank all involved for giving us the opportunity in playing in the Red Recruitment Trophy ,” he said.

“Hopefully it could be something we could look at in the future as a pre season competition.

“Our attention now turns to our top of table clash against Shifnal FC, a fixture we’ve all being looking forward to but was unsure of it would happen until late last night.

“Shifnal set the bench mark last season and have carried on where they left off, both teams have had some competitive matches now to get fit and will be raring to go.

“I’m sure Shifnal will go into the match as favourites, but I am confident with the squad and the team spirit we have right now, we can get the 3 points and go in to the new year being top of the league.”

Due to tier restrictions, the game will allow for 300 fans in total but as Shifnal is in a tier two area, Raiders fans can make the trip for the top of the table clash.

Raiders come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, after the 5-0 loss to Alvechurch in the opening game of the Red Recruitment Trophy last weekend was followed up with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Malvern Town on Tuesday night in the Worcestershire Senior Invitation Cup.

Shifnal have lost just one of their eight league games so far and sit two points clear of Raiders, who have played a game less.

They are undefeated at home so this will be a big challenge but the visitors have dropped points just once all season and will travel to Shropshire with confidence despite a ropey week in terms of results.