WORCESTER Raiders' skipper Joe Billingham has turned down an approach from Halesowen Town to remain at the club.

Billingham had been subject to a seven-day deal from the Step 4 promotion hopefuls but has rejected the move and will stay at Sixways with Karl Gormley's Raiders.

The skipper has been instrumental in the club's rise through the levels in recent years and has taken the armband in the 2022/23 campaign.

He has scored nine goals from midfield this season, including four in one half during last month's 5-2 win at Mangotsfield United.

But his form has clearly impressed Halesowen boss Craig Nicholls and they were hoping to offer Billingham the chance to step up into the Northern Premier League.

However, the skipper has committed to the promotion charge at Raiders and will stick on in the red and black.

He missed Tuesday night's 3-2 win over Thornbury Town after serving out his one-game ban after his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Cribbs in the previous match.

The win closed the gap on league leaders Malvern Town to four points after edging past bottom of the league Thornbury Town on Tuesday evening. 

Raiders’ last outing was over a week ago when they were beaten by Cribbs at Sixways and there was an element of rustiness as Raiders made hard work of the three points. 

But goals from Jade Ferron, Isaac Cooper and Harry Stratford secured the victory in the end for Karl Gormley’s men.

They stay in third in the Hellenic League Premier but remain in the shout for promotion.