RAIDERS' exciting start to 2020 has continued with ex-City striker James Baldwin signing from West Midlands League rivals Pershore Town on a permanent deal.

The former Bishops Cleeve forward, who hails from Fernhill Heath and went to Worcester's Blessed Edward Oldcorne College, helped Pershore fight off relegation last season.

Manager Karl Gormley believes Baldwin can only help further Raiders' push for the top four and he will be thrown straight into it on Tuesday night at Premier Division basement boys Dudley Sports (7.45pm).

"He’s a proven goal-scorer," Gormley said.

"James is a quality striker so he’s a great addition for us.

"He will be available for us on Tuesday so it will be good to get him involved straight away."

The news follows Saturday's impressive 3-1 home win over rivals Darlaston Town for the club's third win over the same opponents this season.

Goals from Anthony Smith, Zaqib Hussain and Kyle Belmonte were enough to seal the points for Raiders.

The Claines Lane club are now 12 points off the promotion spots with a significant number of games in hand over some sides above them.

The fixture with Darlaston had sparked some ill-feeling over the last year but Gormley was happy to report a well-fought match without any issues.

"It was a comfortable three points in the end really," he said.

"A good game of football and there were no problems.

"They had a few yellows and some tackles went in but that’s to be expected. No issues and that was good.

"We have a good run coming up now and plenty of home games.

"Three points on Tuesday will lift us to seventh and then it’s all still very much on (promotion).

"We don’t take anything for granted in this league, everyone battles hard and no one rolls over for anyone.

"There is definitely a buzz around the place at the minute. I spoke to Chris (Cornes, assistant manager) the other day and we both feel it and you can tell all the players are feeding off it."

Despite the good feeling in the group, Gormley remains focused and is expecting a "physical battle" as Raiders go in search of another win that would further promotion hopes.

He continued: "We try not to look at the league table and just focus on ourselves.

"They’re a physical side but like every team in this league you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get.

"Chris works tirelessly on the tactical side of the game so he will look at what they’re like and make sure we know exactly what we need to do to get the three points."

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Bewdley Town kept pace with leaders Shifnal Town through a 3-2 home win over fourth-placed Dudley Town and go to Shawbury United on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Luke Morris, Adam Beardsmore and Sam Prescott scored.

Littleton were held 1-1 at AFC Bridgnorth with Owen Osborne netting.

Dane Aldington and Sam Clark scored as Pershore slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Wednesfield in their first game under new manager Stewart Watkins.