BOTH sides had chances to win but neither could capitalise as Pershore Town and Worcester Raiders drew 0-0 in their Hellenic League Premier opener on Tuesday night. 

Pershore's goalkeeper Eddie Cox was in sublime form for The Plums as he ensured his side took a point from a fiercely competitive encounter. 

The hosts had chances themselves but were unable to really test Raiders' Ryan Young in goal and in the end, the draw was the fair result in the first Worcestershire derby of the season. 

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After the contest, both managers were in agreement that a point each was about right on the night. 

Worcester News: Manager Karl Gormley was proud of his side after the 0-0 drawManager Karl Gormley was proud of his side after the 0-0 draw (Image: Through The Lens)

"It was a very good game," said Raiders' boss Karl Gormley. "I thought the result was probably a fair one. We had a few clear-cut chances and the keeper (Eddie Cox) has made some top-class saves which he always seems to do against us. He was the man of the match by far.

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"But what I said to the lads in the changing room after the game was that was a game we probably would have lost last year. The way they dug in was brilliant. 

"They have had a tough pre-season and we have carried it on into the first game. We are not displeased with the result. 

"Could we have played a bit better? Probably. But the way we worked, I was very proud of them." 

Pershore's Lewis Marston took charge of his first game as manager after replacing Danny Janes in the summer.

Worcester News: Lewis Marston reflected on his first competitive game in charge of Pershore TownLewis Marston reflected on his first competitive game in charge of Pershore Town (Image: Geoff Moore)

He too was full of praise for his keeper: "With Eddie you tend to expect those type of performances but he just gives magic moments in games and it's what he does.

"He is one of those players that can do nothing for 80 minutes and then pull off three amazing saves and it's what he does, he was brilliant. 

"It's not just the saves either, it's how he can play on the ball. He can play football and he can build our attacks from the back and we are very glad to have him."