NEW signing Kai Mahon scored a hat-trick on his home debut as Worcester Raiders returned to winning ways against high-flying FC Stratford at Sixways on Tuesday evening.

Mahon, formerly of Kidderminster Harriers Under 23s, was announced as a new signing just an hour before kick-off and marked the occasion with a superb second-half triple.

His goals came after another debutant on the day, Connor Deards, put Raiders ahead early in the game and despite a spirited performance from Stratford in the second half, the hosts were good value for the three points.

Having lost 5-2 in their last game to league leaders Cheltenham Saracens, Mark Owen's new charges bounced back with a statement victory against a side sitting second in the Hellenic League Division One.

Deards kicked things off with a tap in from close range in the 16th minute and in truth, it should have been more but the visitors held on.

Mahon scored his first of the night just minutes into the second period to make it 2-0 with a low strike from 20 yards before Stratford pulled one back from a corner.

Mahon quickly made it three with a neat finish but the visitors weren't going down without a fight and another goal pulled it back to 3-2.

Raiders were losing their way but Mahon stepped up once more to finish the job with a sublime solo effort with ten minutes to go.

The result sees Raiders move up into fifth in the division, just three points off the top.