A new look for the Raiders this past Saturday and a good result as well. The team started with its newly formed solid back four of Pete, Olly, Harry, and previous MOTM Daniel Vo. Newcomer Michael Stanbrook started on the wing instead of Chi or Stefan who MIA. The center of midfield contained Michael Owen and Eoin O (try saying that five times fast). On the left wing was Stuart and up top the manager selected Rich and Tam.

The Raiders dominated from the start and never looked back. A quick early goal on a lovely header from Michael Stanbrook put the raiders up 1-0. The Raiders kept the ball for nearly the rest of the half with quick short passes and only five giveaways from their Scottish midfielder.

Raiders should have added more before the half but Tam missed a breakaway, a great cross was batted away by the keeper, and the keeper made another wonderful save coming off his line and pushing a Rich chip just over the bar.

The second half breathed new life into the opponents as they countered with their number 9 doing most of the work. Harry and Olly seemed to not care much as they quickly deflected any threatening passes away from the attacker.

Then Tam broke free on goal yet again, only to have it swatted away by the keeper. The referee showed sheer class in this game, keeping everything under control while not having to issue any cards. This is a Raider’s dream come true.

Then the new Raiders striker (Tam) found separation from the defense yet again, using his power and speed to put the left back so far behind that he just stopped running. Tam faced another one on one with the keeper, this time choosing to pass it off and had it stolen!

After a short skirmish near the sidelines and some loving words said from Pete and the left winger of Sporting they, rightfully so, ushered their own player to the sideline, claiming his antics not worthy of the remainder of the game.

The second goal from the Raiders finally came from Tam (I think) but this goal was so unmemorable it doesn’t need to be mentioned. Final score Raiders 2-0 Sporting.

Written by Pat Cartier