RICH Smith's first-half goal was enough for all three points against Westfields on Tuesday as Worcester Raiders made it three Hellenic League Premier wins in a row to remain top of the table.

It was anything but a convincing victory for Karl Gormley's men but Smith's goal on the half-hour mark proved decisive in a game that Raiders were pushed all the way by their Herefordshire opponents.

But it does signify a third clean-sheet in a row for Raiders, who are now three points clear at the top of the table with 10 points from 12. 

It was a cagey first-half in which neither side was able to create a meaningful chance.

Westfields had threatened with Archie Muirheaddown the right early on but other than a Jack Cresswell free-kick straight into the arms of Fields' keeper Matt Apperley - who was later substituted following an injury - there was no other effort on goal until the half-hour mark. 

And it was a significant one as left-back Jake Donnelly made a great run from his own half before playing a ball through in behind Westfields' defence. It took a slight deflection as it found Smith, but the striker took it in his stride before poking past the on-rushing replacement goalie Jack Oxenham to give the hosts the lead.

Smith had the ball in the net for a second time five minutes before the break following Fuller's saved shot, but he was flagged for offside.

Westfields started the second half on the front foot and Jade Ferron had to act fast to clear a dangerous cross into the Raiders box just as Dan Stoneman looked set to tap into an empty net at the back post. 

Archie Muirhead then went close with an acrobatic volley from eight yards out before Matt McDonald had a close-range header deflected over the bar.

The home side were dealt a blow in the second-half as goalscorer Smith and left-back Donnelly went off with injuries. 

Westfields continued to dominate the ball but were unable to really test Ryan Young in goal and in the end, Raiders could have added further goals late on to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Jack Cresswell thundered a shot against the bar from 25 yards moments before Jordan Murphy flapped at a chance created by Bailey Fuller.