A warm welcome back to SS Raiders fans from around the globe as, after the long summer break, and following everyone's last lie in until March (weather permitting) the lads kicked off the season against FC Sparta. Sparta were promoted from Div 1 last season and with plenty of confidence from their high finish they were dangerous first week opponents.

A couple of changes from last season's squad. In a swap deal, Nathan made a move to AC with Sam U moving the other way. We have also acquired Sam C (ironically from today's opponents) for an undisclosed fee. Rumours abound that a packet of Match Attax was enough to clinch the signature.

Conditions were warm and sunny although, an early morning due made the excellent playing surface slick which made controlling the ball tricky for much of the game.

With the coach's promise of everyone getting at least half a game each week. It was a starting line up of Elliot in goal, Sam A and Harry at the back, Sam C, Ethan and Edward in midfield and Sam U up front. James Ben and Jamie started on the bench but all were to make a significant impact on the game.

In a scrappy and even first half, it was Sparta who scored the only goal. A mix up in defence saw their player fire in a loose ball from close range with Elliot unable to stop it. Other than a couple of long range efforts our best chance went to Sam C from a rebounded effort which he agonisingly put wide. A foot injury to Harry saw Ethan move back to defence with James replacing in midfield.

Half time 0-1 and the promised changes were made. Ben coming on for Sam U up front and Jamie on for Sam C on the right. As the game wore on, the Raiders took more control of the match and chances came for Edward from a couple of central free kicks and Jamie from the left. With 10 minutes to go, we eventually made the breakthrough. Sam A making a typical run down the right and unleashing a powerful shot past a crowd of players to find the back of the net. A minute later and the move of the match. The tenacious Jamie won the ball on the left, played it infield to Ben who in turn played it through James on the right who shot across goal only for it to be parried to Ben. With his back to goal and two yards out, Ben's quick thinking saw him cheekily back heel the ball into the unguarded net for a clever goal and all of a sudden we were 2-1 up.

More chances followed at both ends in the last few minutes including Sam shooting wide and James looping an effort over the bar. Unfortunately, Sparta took one of theirs to make it 2-2. Again a ball that maybe should have been cleared from our box, however the finish from their player was driven well into the corner.

There was still time for a defected shot to go just wide for us, Sam A missed narrowly from a header from the resulting corner, but Sparta missed a glorious opportunity at the death with their player missing the target from around 20 yards with an open goal at his mercy.

Full time 2-2 and a point where we probably deserved to sneak a win.

Sam A gained opponent's MoM for his usual all action display. Ben picked up the parent's MoM for his excellent 2nd Half contribution and his cheeky goal.

KH