A BRILLIANT first-half saw Worcester Raiders come through their sixth pre-season friendly with another win as they beat Redditch United 3-2 at Sixways to preserve their unbeaten summer run. 

Goals from Jake Donnelly, Rich Smith and Isaac Cooper had the hosts 3-0 up at the break against a disappointing Redditch side.

The visitors improved after the break and Jamie Insall pulled one back before one of the trialist defenders made it 2-3 with 14 minutes to play.

But Raiders held on for another win to maintain their 100% record in July with a sixth straight victory. 

Raiders took a very early lead with their first foray forward as a free-kick from Bailey Fuller was only half-cleared and after the ball was pumped back in, Donnelly's header hit the post and rolled over the line. 

It really should have been two mid-way through the half as the bar denied both Smith and Cooper in quick succession as the ball somehow stayed out of the net. 

But they would not be denied a second as moments later, Ferron again burst down the right and played Smith into the box, before his shot deflected in off a Redditch defender. 

A horrible half for the Reds was made worse on the half-hour mark as the captain Ryan Wollacott decided to leave a ball in behind, that winger Cooper scooped up before running in on goal and slotting the ball through the keeper's legs to make it 3-0.

Bailey Fuller could have added to the score but fired just over as the half came to a close and at the break Raiders were in total control. 

As expected, the away side stepped it up at the beginning of the second-half and former Raider Kyle Belmonte sent a fierce drive with his left foot just wide of the far post. 

The early pressure was finally converted into a goal a couple of minutes later as a delightful cross from Lucas Yeomans was brilliantly volleyed past Ryan Young by a late-arriving Insall to reduce the deficit. 

The onslaught continued in terms of possession but the chances dried up for Redditch as both sides made changes. 

With 14 minutes to play, one of the Redditch trialists headed home powerfully to reduce the deficit further but that proved to be it for the goals as Raiders held on to record the win.