PRE-season friendlies across Worcestershire continued last weekend as build-up towards the non-league football season stepped up a notch.

Worcester Raiders outlined their title credentials in the Hellenic League Division One after beating Midland Football League Premier Division side Lye Town, a side a level above them.

After a goalless first-half, two goals in five minutes from Vanylson Da Costa and Kyle Belmonte secured another pre-season win for the Sixways-based outfit.

A couple of own goals from Lydney Town handed Malvern Town a 5-0 win at home in their latest pre-season fixture.

Dave Reynolds again turned out for The Hillsiders who were too good for their fellow Hellenic League Premier Division rivals and further goals from Joe Bullock, Matt Turner and Louis Loader completed the rout.

Reynolds was heavily involved throughout and went close on numerous occasions but was unable to hit the target. An inevitable move back to the club he has enjoyed plenty of success in the past looks increasingly likely, having not yet re-signed with Worcester City.

Elsewhere in the county, Evesham United hosted National League North side Kidderminster Harriers in an all-Worcestershire affair at the Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium.

Three first-half goals from Jack Tolley, Amari Morgan Smith and Sam Austin were added to by a 46th minute penalty from Ashley Hemmings as the Harriers recorded a comfortable win.

Stourport Swifts were beaten 4-1 at home to Halesowen Town, with the solitary goal for the the Swifts coming from Jack Downing.

Bromsgrove Sporting were also in action, recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Romulus whilst Stourbridge FC gave a good account of themselves against National League side Solihull Moors, going down 4-3 in a thrilling game at Damson Park.

Alvechurch played Oxford City on what was the 50th anniversary of the longest FA Cup tie in history. The two played SIX games against each other in the fourth round of qualifying across 16 days and over 11 hours of football back in the 70s.

Only 90 minutes were played this weekend, however, with Church running out 2-0 winners on home turf.

Redditch United drew 1-1 with Hereford FC and Worcester City were 4-2 winners away at Cymru League South side Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC.

Pershore Town's fixture with Black Country Rangers was cancelled due to Covid cases in the opposition camp.