The odds stacked against Raiders last Saturday morning. Not playing the best and on a loosing streak. Short of players through sickness or injury. So, no subs. Even the Ref called in sick!

After the first exchanges, that were very even, Raiders settled. With a few players playing out of position, they relaxed into their passing and movement, which they have being working on in training.

Jamie and Trystan were combining well down the left and carved out a few good opportunities that were not seized on by the team. Not to be out done, Will and Ethan were finding space and each other and using it to good effect. The difference was Ethan made it count. A lovely combination from Samuel (who was supposed to be away but answered the call when we were short through illness) and Will put Ethan through to slot home. 1-0 ⚽. In no time, Will played a lovely ball through to Ethan, who took right to the byline to it cut back only for the covering defence to knock it in. 2-0 ⚽. Shortly after Rowan, Jamie and Samuel played their own game of keep ball and then set Trystan off to score nicely after taking on a defender ⚽. Half time, 3-0.

Alexandra Utd started the second half much brighter. Max and Captain Gabe closed down most issues with Leo covering the rest. With most of the play in our own half Rowan and Gabe played a little longer and Jamie and Trystan found space in behind and were unlucky not to score. Jamie hit the post and Utd's keeper pulled of some brillant saves. Ethan didn't pass up the opportunity. Scoring twice in a few minutes. Both nicely taken shots on the angle from just inside the area ⚽⚽⚽.

The kids should have had a few more but perhaps that's being greedy. A good all round team performance. It was very nice to see big games from Samuel, playing in an unaccustomed position, was everywhere. Aggressive tackling, closing down, using his body well, then setting play up from the middle of the park. Will had his best game for Raiders. Ran endlessly, found space, passed beautifully and worked very well with Ethan. On another day, player of the match. But that was hat-trick hero Ethan. At times, a frustrating and frustrated player. He is soooo quick and sometimes can get himself isolated and rushes his play. He is learning when to use his pace and other times to slow down and bring others with him. In this match, Ethan had it just right and was awesome. Keep it up Ethan.
Well played Raiders.

Thank you to Ben and Stuart for helping with officiating of the match.