Raiders vs Saints has always, throughout the years of the SIFL, been a great rivalry. In the first couple of years Raiders swept all before them, but the tide turned and Saints have enjoyed many years of domination. Hence yesterdays victory was an immensely sweet one having been such a long wait. Far be it though another ‘turning of the tide’ – Saints will tell you they were shorn of some key players and did not have a full strength team out. We too however were missing this seasons regular strike trio of Fred, Nico and Craig, but at full strength in defence.

Saints started very strongly and put us under a lot of pressure in the first ten minutes, but some assured defensive work and the presence of Angelo in goal saw us standing firm and surviving that initial onslaught. Perhaps we never recovered from that, as the first half was dominated by Saints and Raiders did not play the football we are capable of, wasting possession, not competing well enough, and playing too many long balls with Laurie having little chance to get in the game. Our best chance came from a corner with Andreas going close.

Half time arrived at 0-0 and after a pep talk from coach and captain Raiders emerged to what was a fantastic team performance in the second half. We managed to play a bit more football with the ball on the ground and got ourselves right back into the game. Indeed, for a good twenty minute spell we were ‘all over them’ as they struggled to get hold of the ball and Raiders pressure looked like a goal was coming. The best chance to take the lead came when Sascha drove into the box and laid a deft backheel into Jon’s path, his shot beating the keeper but cleared off the line, the rebound falling to Albin, but not kindly enough to provide a finish.

Towards the end of the second period Saints came back into it and were most threatening from set pieces – they never got in behind us all game. And then – the crowning moment, as a Raiders build up in the middle and pressure on the ball from Sascha saw the ball fall into Laurie’s path. Through on goal, he calmly angled his shot past the keeper, two minutes left on the clock, and I’ve never seen such a spontaneous celebration – what a moment! Of course, we very nearly then conceded in the dying seconds, thankfully the Saints striker scuffed his shot and it was safely in Angelo’s hands.

Saints were very gracious in defeat, and what a great day for Raiders.

We have to thank the entire squad for their performances on and off the pitch, and note that we do deserve an SIFL victory like this, and with the players, organisation and team spirit we have, look forward to competing in these kinds of games more regularly.

A special shout out to Seb who has waited 8 years across four different teams to beat the Saints! However, Andreas, Joey and Albin have never lost to them. I prefer the latter.

Team: Angelo, Seb, Tarek, Joey, Andreas, Paddy, Peter, Rasul, Henno, Sascha, Jon, Anthony, Albin, Laurie, Toby, Vu