ROLAND Krol was at the double in a rampant first half that sealed an opening day victory for Worcester Raiders.

The Claines Lane club kicked off life in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division with a 4-3 win at Dudley Town.

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REPORT, REACTION, RATINGS & AS IT HAPPENED | Newark Flowserve 4 Worcester Raiders 3

Danny Mayne fired Dudley in front with a low shot from outside the box but Raiders responded through Dan Flowers and led after half an hour thanks to Kirk Layton.

Krol then snaffled his brace in the build up to the break but Alex Brogan made things interesting with a bolt from the blue.

The hosts bagged another but Raiders stood firm to kick off the campaign in style.

Victorious boss Karl Gormley said: "It was a brilliant team performance, we really had to dig in second half and I am so chuffed for the lads to win our first game in the Premier Division."

Elsewhere, Pershore Town had to make do with a share of the spoils after a 1-1 home draw with Darlaston Town – the other team promoted from Division One alongside Raiders last season.

Pershore had the better of the opening exchanges but it took until the 40th minute to break the deadlock, albeit in controversial circumstances.

A hotly-disputed free-kick was repelled but only as far as James Baldwin who tucked in the rebound. 

The lead was short lived, though, as Darlo levelled through Reis Nadat's cheeky backheel from Sam Causton's near-post ball. 

Chances were few and far between in the second half.

In the Midland Football League Premier Division, Stourport Swifts survived a last-ditch penalty shout to beat promoted Selston 3-2.

Swifts fell behind in the fourth minute but created some good openings before Jamie Clarke plundered a header having been teed up by Nick MacPherson in the 27th minute.

Within six minutes the hosts led when Matt Fulloway converted a Drew Canavan corner but a handball call allowed Henry Brookes to level from the penalty spot.

The decider also came from 12 yards with Canavan making no mistake after Clarke had spurned a number of presentable chances in the second half.

In National North, Hereford and Kidderminster Harriers kicked off with 2-2 draws at home to Spennymoor Town and Leamington respectively.