With Raiders Scott sick at home in Hobbiton and T-Rex managing to stay on his feet to escape from match reporting duties its harshly fallen to myself to provide this week’s summary. Although having reviewed Harry Kane’s free kick… I would argue might was slightly more accurate. That said here it is:

The team selection was once again affected once again by a number of player travelling away for the weekend however, Coach Lolin was still able to name a strong side given the number of players away. Im still quite sure though that I could hear ‘Siphos Ball.. Siphos on..’ etc during the game. Hit by the rain early on it was still debatable whether the game was going to be played as the weather had left large puddles across the pitch, fortunately for the lads the weather calmed and the game went ahead.

Certainly for the first half it can be said that Raiders were comfortable dealing with a capable Nam Am team. The raiders might not of had much possession but their hard work off the ball closing down the angles resulted in very few chances for the opposition and led them to playing the long ball regularly. Vincent was once again working in his right back/right forward position and bombing it on where possible down the right hand side and most of Raiders early build up seemed to penetrate that side of the pitch. This was somewhat affected though as Jackie Chan appeared for Nam An and hacked down Nikolas resulting in him taking no further part in the game, Raiders hope that this will be no more than a precaution and he will be back training on Wednesday.

Across all areas of the pitch throughout the game Raiders worked hard, Gary putting in his usual sturdy and committed performance at left back, he must have been delighted at the lack of sunshine as ‘Milky’ was still recovering from a lack of suncream application from the previous week.

Mirko in goal again pulled off a number of top draw saves and shouldn’t beat himself up over the goal, we win as a team and lose as a team. Pete playing further forward than usual was linking up well with Mick and Craig in the middle. Nobody could fault the work rate of all the lads throughout the Saturday game. Up top though chances were few, Raiders had several corners but were unable to get a contact on target. Niko continued to flick the ball through but Nam An were quick to shut out the strikers. At the back Jerry as always was solid alongside Daniel German who still has the best running technique ever witnessed. Like a fast paced walking race/twerking race.

Once again the strong squad left raiders fortunate with what was on offer from the bench, Ben and Aron offering attacking options and running themselves into the ground for the good of the team, T-Rex put a number of crosses into the box which Raiders struggled to capitalise on. Daniel Vo operated across the wing and pressed forward well and then finally Nano who played with a strapped ankle and created several chances from a position further up the pitch as Raiders chased the win. Before Pat pipes up I should point out that he was there too, further discussion is needed about the length of the beard on his face, the gingerness that is now beginning to shine through. As for his performance on the pitch, again its been nice to see his come back to increasing his playing time and leaving that injury behind him. If only now he can stop shooting then that would be great!

More info on the game. Raiders failed to register in the first half and were certainly left frustrated by the lack of opportunities… oh and the number of poor decisions by the referee, but the less said about him the better. Raiders conceded when they were caught out by a long ball. Nam An played a ball over the top of the full back and a lack of communication led to their winger side stepping Mirko and sliding the ball in from a tight angle. A very harsh goal to concede, but in honesty Nam An probably created more chances in the first half. Going in at half time 1-0 down it was frustrating and the game was in the balance for which way Raiders would respond.

Let’s just say it was Raiders who dominated the half. From the kick off the mentality changed with Raiders increasing the tempo, on the world’s biggest pitch a change in shape and organisation from Coach Nolin helped Raiders press on. It did look at one point like the goal would never come! But when Gary sent a free kick forward, Hoggy managed to flick the ball into Niko’s path, with a lot still left to do Niko nonchalantly lifted the ball over the keeper from a tight angle. Excellent goal. 1-1.

From here on in the rain battered down and play was disrupted by the elements. Element 1 – the downpour. Element 2 – The bastard in black!!…. Numerous fouls seemed to be awarded against Raiders and there was a distinct lack of consistency. That said Raiders handled themselves well, some players got frustrated and of course this can be the difference between winning and losing in a game of such small margins. Fortunately the lads kept it together and battles until the final kick of the game.

Man of the match was Jerry – no matter rain or shine, within 30 seconds of a game Jerry has the reddest face known to man! Turkey of the match Hoggy… although hitting the target, admittedly he should of done better when Aron cantered a ball after bursting through at pace down the wing, and also Hoggy managed to blast a free kick high and wide.. It may be time for another specialist to take over with the set pieces!

All in all, a cracking point. Yes it felt like a loss but let’s remember it’s a long season, this side will be up there and it’s important we keep on building and improving to make sure we are too. Over and out. Hogg.