Manager Karl Gormley admitted his side “rolled over” as Hereford Pegasus ended Worcester Raiders’ promotion hopes in the Hellenic League Division One play-off final at Sixways on Friday night.

A goal in the opening minute of the game for Hereford’s striker Richard Greaves set the tone for what was a very disappointing evening for Raiders.

Right-back Matt James flicked a header past Ewan Mountjoy in the 26th minute to double the lead and further frustrate the hosts.

Worcester pushed after the break and brought on Kyle Belmonte, who had been recalled from Evesham United for the game, but they were flat in attack and former Raiders’ keeper Matt Gwynne was rarely tested before Greaves added a third in stoppage time to see Pegasus promoted.

“Very disappointed with the performance but hats off to Hereford,” said Gormley.

“They were the better side all over the park and deserved to win.

“We were flat, it took us an hour to get a shot on target.

“We can take defeat, we have lost games this season but it was tough the way we took defeat tonight, we rolled over far too easy.

“That’s not Worcester Raiders.”

Raiders were without the Stoddart brothers Logan and Jordan due to them being away but they were able to bring Belmonte, Rich Smith and Brad Birch in to cover on a one-off basis.

But the early goal really affected them and Raiders never recovered.

“The early goal killed us, all our plans went out the window,” added Gormley

“And then to concede the second, such a poor goal to concede, it was a tough blow to take.

“It was a massive loss to lose Jordan and Logan, our captain, they are massive for us.

“But we won’t make excuses. We put a squad out there today to do a job but it was not to be.”

Having been one of the title favourites pre-season, failing to gain promotion will have a damaging impact on Raiders.

But Gormley is confident his side will go again next season.

“We will come in next week and have a chat about what we’re going to do going forward,” Gormley said.

“But we will all take some time to regroup, spend time with family and come again for pre-season.”