DROITWICH Spa suffered a third play-off final defeat in the space of four seasons following a 4-1 home defeat against Worcester Raiders.
Spa produced an uncharacteristic display in the final to suffer a heavy defeat against their local rivals at the King George Playing Fields.
A consolation goal from substitute Reiss Taylor-Randle proved in vain for Andy Crowther’s side in front of more than 1,000 spectators.
Worcester stunned the home side as Jordan Murphy scored a hat-trick before Cameron Monteith added a fourth goal for the visitors.
Spa’s season ultimately ended in disappointment following an impressive first campaign in the Hellenic League Premier Division.
Droitwich finished two places and six points ahead of Raiders in the league table while the game marked the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season.
Spa made a fast start as Charlie Tilley saw his effort fly past the top corner inside the opening couple of minutes.
And Perry Moss then saw his shot on the turn saved by Worcester goalkeeper Charlie Emery.
Raiders responded with a chance of their own as Spa goalkeeper Joe Stockton kept out Bailey Fuller’s free-kick.
However, the visitors silenced the home crowd on 21 minutes when Murphy latched onto a weak backpass and rounded Stockton before firing into an empty net.
The Saltmen almost drew level just past the half-hour mark as Moss saw his effort deflect onto the post after James Lemon saw his penalty appeal turned down.
However, Raiders stunned Spa on 37 minutes when Murphy fired a shot across goal and into the bottom corner from 25-yards out to leave Droitwich with a mountain to climb at the break.
Spa continued to probe as Alex Dugmore saw two efforts blocked after powering a shot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Lemon then shot straight at Emery before Murphy completed his hat-trick on 61 minutes with a deflected effort which looped over Stockton.
And Raiders scored a fourth goal five minutes later as Monteith tapped home from close range after Fuller broke clear of the Spa defence.
Spa scored a consolation goal on 75 minutes when Taylor-Randle ghosted in and chipped a shot beyond Emery.
However, Droitwich could not reduce the deficit further as the club’s season ended in the cruelest possible fashion.
