JARROW MARCH TO VICTORY AS RAIDERS LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD

Following their hard fought victory against Felling Magpies last week, it was back down to earth with a bump for the lads this week against Jarrow Reds, who went the whole of last season without dropping a point, and had also won their first game comfortably this season.

On another perfect day for football (other than a low sun that Jarrow had to kick into for the first half) the game kicked off with high hopes that we could end our run of defeats against the Reds (who played in white shirts!?). Our hopes did not last for long.

Sometimes you have to hold your hand up and say you were simply beaten by a better team. Today we were. Jarrow were quicker to the ball, controlled the ball better, made better passes and overall were a well organised outfit, culminating in a match played in our half for the majority of the game.

Jarrow scored one goal in the first half where their player neatly turned in a low cross with Raiders being a little slow to react. Goals two and three came in the 2nd half and in truth it could have been more.

The effort of the lads could not be criticised as some determined defending helped keep the score respectable as we scrambled the ball away a few times and Elliot made some excellent saves again. One particular save in the second half, where he pushed a ball away that was destined for the top corner, was the best I've seen since we joined the league.

As well as collecting the oppo's m.o.m, he also shared the parent's m.o.m with Edward. What I liked best about Edward's defending is that he is mindful of where the attackers are and doesn't just watch the ball. His intelligent reading of the game continues to impress.

Unfortunately, I am struggling to remember any half decent opportunities for us today. Both Sam U and his 2nd half replacement Ben were well shackled and had little chance to impose themselves on the game.

In midfield, Sam A had one of those days where his runs just didn't come off as they sometimes do, Jamie showed his usual neat touches and his tackling continues to improve with each game. Sam C worked hard as did the 2nd half replacements James and Ethan.

As always, there was some good positive vocal support from the Raiderettes on the sidelines!

Finally, the main lesson learned from today is...... never leave your Blackberry lying around on your car boot in the car park! Mr Gilchrist has been brought onto the Coaching Team to provide sprinting tips to the kids based on his impressive dash back to the car park this morning.

KH