WORCESTER Raiders can close the gap on the top two in the Hellenic League Premier this weekend as the season reaches a potentially crucial weekend.

Second-placed Malvern Town make the trip to league leaders Cribbs on Saturday, meaning a Raiders win will eat into the buffer the top two currently have over Karl Gormley's side.

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Raiders sit eight points behind Cribbs and are five off Malvern, but have a game in hand over both.

It makes it a crucial match for Gormley's men, who face a tricky trip themselves to Royal Wootton Bassett Town (kick-off at 2PM, not 3PM).

Bassett sit seventh in the division but recently held Cribbs in the league and also beat the table-toppers in the cup not so long ago, so that in itself indicates the task at hand for Raiders.

As for Malvern, they know that Raiders are right on their tail and anything but a win at Cribbs would allow the Worcester the chance to overtake them when they play their game in hand.

Into Division One and league leaders Pershore Town will also see their credentials tested when they go to fourth-placed Abingdon United on Saturday.

Danny Janes' side have dropped just two points all season and have not even conceded a goal since August in the league.

But with Milton United chasing them down at the top, dropping points is not an option for The Plums as they look to keep their title ambitions on track.