Two goals in the first half and a penalty strike in the second sealed the win for Raiders who progress to face Hereford Pegasus for a place in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

For Danny Janes, there was pride for the journey the players had been on but disappointment that the journey had come up short.

"The defeat hurts and we are disappointed that our league journey has come to an end." said Janes.

"I felt the result was the right one and Worcester Raiders fully deserved their win.

"There was context to the result, we came into this game not at our strongest. I never use unavailable players as an excuse, but we really missed Sam Clark and Petar Tonchev today. Steve Webb and Matt Nutt both played with injuries, we eventually lost Matt just after half-time.

"The game came just too soon for our dual registered players, we have played a lot of games and I think this was one game too far for us. As I said, no excuses as we still had the quality to do more in the game, but Worcester Raiders were the better team in terms of their end product.

"I thought we started well, we started to play our game and looked comfortable, we created a few half chances in the opening half hour. Worcester grew into the game and had a really good spell in the first half with the ball, but I still felt we looked comfortable.

"We then give two goals away in the final five minutes of the half from set pieces, I have no sympathy for us in that respect as that is unacceptable.

"Second half we gave it a go and I thought we were very good between both boxes throughout the game, but their goalkeeper never made a save the whole game and that showed where we lacked the quality needed.

"You can’t concede three goals and expect to win a game, especially gifting a side of their quality with the first two.

"We lacked real quality in the final third, we worked the ball really well into good areas but never looked like hurting them. Their attacking options were the difference today.

"I am so proud of this team and what an achievement to get us into the Play-Offs, they battled right until the end and continued to try and get us back into the game.

"Congratulations to Worcester Raiders as they deserved to progress and we wish them all the best in their final against Hereford Pegasus, it is set up to be a great game."