Fans at Thursday's non-league battle between the Fitchburg Red Raiders (Fitchburg, MA) and the host Ayer Shirley Panthers (Ayer, MA), saw Fitchburg's soccer squad hold off Ayer Shirley by a count of 1-0.

The Red Raiders (3-0) will now prepare for their battle against Clinton (Clinton, MA). The Gaels enter the non-league battle with a 0-4 record. In their last battle, Clinton was edged by Assabet Valley RVT (Marlborough, MA), 4-3, in a non-league battle.

Next up, the Panthers battle the West Boylston Lions (West Boylston, MA) in a Midland-Wachusett D battle, on Tuesday, September 17. Ayer Shirley will attempt to upgrade on its 2-2 season record.