Match report: Raiders 3 – 0 Sa*nts

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Ashes Delight for McD

Saturday saw the Saigon Raiders face their old nemesis the Saigon Saints in the traditional season opener; The Ashes. Brought into existence 4 years ago in an attempt to distill some of the bad blood that existed between Saigon’s two oldest teams; it promised to be a feisty affair. In the build up to the game there had been a lot of talk about the ability of new recruits for both teams. Each club felt they had a strong chance of winning the match. Coach Colin lined the Raiders up in his standard 4-4-2 formation. The back line consisted of Pete, Olly, Colin (dawn photographer of the year 2016) and a baptism of fire for Nicolas. All great ball players and up for the fight. In midfield a central pairing of Andy and Mic would be supported by Sipho bombing down the left wing and Craig bombing into 50/50 challenges with their left back. Up front a hungover Tam took part in his last ever Raiders game, along with Soggy who arrived an hour early in order to mentally prepare.

For all the pre-match chat it was the Raiders who absolutely dominated the first 20 minutes. They were ahead within 3 minutes when Sipho skinned his man for the first of many times and whipped in a beauty of a cross. Tam had made a great run into the box and was perfectly placed. Unfortunately due to an overdose of tequila’s, he saw two balls approaching at Mach 2. Blinking the sweat from his eyes he went for the ball on the right. It was the wrong one. Tam had a split second to think ‘Fuck’ before the real balled cannoned off his shoulder and into the net. Cue wild celebrations and Craig screaming ‘Fuck the hangover’. The Raiders were 1-0 up in record time.

The Raiders continued to win all the 50/50 balls. Olly and Colin were dealing with the standard Saints long ball tactics with ease, whilst Andy and Mic were controlling the midfield. The Raiders were firmly camped in the Saints half and the territorial advantage soon paid off. Andy tapping in from close range following a corner for a goal on his competitive debut. 2-0 up and the crowd were loving it (a club record attendance of 38 people). Raiders could have been 3-0 up when Craig timed his run perfectly and was released by Hoggy. He attempted to flick the ball over the onrushing keeper but he channeled the spirit of Manuel Neuer and instinctively made a great save (weakest Turkey nomination ever recorded, Aron I made a note of your rabble rousing, literacy is obviously a rare commodity within the Raiders).

Saints battled back into the game but never really looked like scoring. Realising that they had no chance playing football the Saints players began trying to turn the match into a physical battle. Angry American and professional Bellend, Chuck, was particularly lucky not to be booked after two late challenges on Gary. Swallowing his desire to retaliate/shitting his pants at Colin’s warning, Gary stayed calm and didn’t react to the provocation. The half ended 2-0 to the Raiders and confidence was high.

Colin’s team talk at half time consisted of ‘More of the same’ and a warning that the Saints would have a positive spell at some point in the match. Wouter started the second half up front and made a great sole run which ended in a shot just over the bat. Pat was showing some good touches on the right wing and Sipho continued to be ever where winning balls back and breaking with pace. A number of times Soggy tried long range efforts but he lacks the clinical nature of his twin brother. With 20 minutes to go the next goal was going to be vital. The Saints had begun to grow into the game as they needed to press forward for a goal. Looking at his bench of superstars Colin decided to pack the midfield and sent Luke on with the instructions ‘Sit in front of the midfield and help defend’.

Minutes later the Raiders broke on a counter attack. The ball was moved quickly across the pitch. Hoggy committed two defenders before laying the ball into the path of an onrushing midfielder for a clear shot at goal…surely he will score. But wait; a collective gasp of shock/awe/horror from the capacity crowd…it was Luke McD. People rose to their feet. Surely this was the moment. Luke made a clean connection on the shot but it was straight at the keeper! Anguish on the face of McDonal senior in the stands as a moan escaped the spectators. Time went into slow motion. The keeper had only palmed the ball out back into Luke’s path. Surely this time. Luke wasn’t wasting a second chance and passed it calmly into the net. Cue pandemonium in the stands and on the pitch! Tash wiped away a tear, a pregnant fan promised to name her child Luke and McD senior had witnessed a collectors item. That’s right. After 3 own goals, 7 years of trying and 2 minutes of playing as a central midfielder Luke Mcd had his first ever Raiders goal. Well done mate. In other news, Hell recorded a record low temperature of -7 degrees, a blue moon rose over Manchester and Craig top scored in Fantasy Football.

The Raiders saw out the match and fought hard to maintain a clean sheet. The entire defence had a near perfect game. Pete with his usual calm and collected style of defending, Olly winning headers and Colin as tenacious as ever. Gary and Nicolas took turns keeping Chuck quiet. Mirko had to be alert and got down well to save a late chance but that was it. A comprehensive 3-0 victory in our first competitive game of the new season.

Spirits were high and the Turkey was passed around. Sipho deservedly won Man of the Match with tireless running throughout making the game a traumatic experience for their left back. Daniel Vo jumped into the team photo’s John Terry style in a full kit despite not playing and the team settled in for some well earned beers.

A great start to the season boys but we have won nothing yet. First up the cup next week and then the real games begin. If we display that level of focus and desire throughout the season we can achieve our potential. To all those who came to support, it makes a massive difference when you are the pitch. Let’s try to keep that up.