A POINT IS GOOD ENOUGH TO SEE RAIDERS FINISH 3RD.... JUST!

After a bleak Winter and a clutch of catch up games, we finally made it to what would be Raiders' last game on the hallowed turf of Monkton but there was still lots to play for against Felling Magpie Blacks as a win would secure 3rd, a draw would leave sweating on Monkton Red's result and a loss would almost certainly put us behing both the Reds and today's opponents.

We had a squad of 9 to choose from today as Sam C was away on holiday.

Typically, you would expect to watch the last game in tee shirt and shorts sitting on a deck chair whilst smothering the kids in sun tan lotion. Mark S did try with a tee shirt, but was soon forced to add another 8 layers of clothing as sun stroke was never going to be a factor today.

Both previous games against the Blacks had seen us edge them 1-0, however, they are a battling team who refuse to be outmuscled in any game.

Two minutes in, and our only clear cut chance of the game. James, receiving the ball on the half way line, managed to turn and play a slide rule pass through to Sam A who was one on one with their keeper. Unfortunately, he pulled his shot inches wide.

From that moment onwards there were very few goal scoring opportunities at either end. Harry was again superb at the back, sometimes having to deal the two strikers by himself and always looking to pass the ball out of defence. Edward, whilst being caught out a couple of times in the first half, did much much better second half, standing up against their tricky wingers and not letting them get past. Elliot, as expected nowadays, was neat and tidy with great handling and good concentration.

Jamie and Ben shared parent's m.o.m today as two of the quietest and most unselfish kids, who always look to pass the ball and bring other players into the game, raised their game against the tough tackling Magpies. Ben, who also received oppo's m.o.m. had our best chance of the second half from fifteen yards. unfortunately he drilled the ball wide.

Ethan did a good job when coming on in midfield in the second half, and James and Sam U worked hard up front without getting much opportunity to increase their goal tallies.

Final Score 0-0

This ensured that we would finish at least 4th, and attention turned to the very next game where the kids and parents swapped their Raiders Hats and scarves for Monkton Yellows replica kits as we needed them to get something out their game against Monkton Reds to preserve our 3rd place.

With 2 minutes to go, this looked unlikely as the Reds led 1-0, but as has been the way this season, a late goal worked in our favour as Zak the little Yellows striker (looking like Lionel Messi) cooly hooked the ball in to make it 1-1 and send two sets of supporters wild!

So, that's it for our second full season. 11 wins, 8 draws (way more than anyone else) and only 3 defeats in what has to go down as a very successful campaign, improving on last year's 5th placed finish to finish 3rd. Well done to everyone concerned with SS Raiders, players, coaches, parents, grandparents, siblings and crowd safety officers!

A quick mention to AC Raiders, who will play their League Cup Final on Sat 22nd May at the Stadium (9 o'clock kick off). We wish them well and hope that some of SS are there to support the lads.

Finally, next year's league looks highly likely to be 9-a-side with all games to be played at Cleghill (?) School in Hebburn, however this is yet to be formally confirmed.

Our prepartion starts on Tuesday!!!

KH.