RAIDERS AND YELLOWS SHARE THE SPOILS

Our 5th game of the season saw Raiders up against Monton Yellows in what was expected to be another close game as both sides were quite evenly matched last season.

Coach Martin and Sam U were both back today, however Ethan was missing through illness.

Elliot (Gk) Edward and Harry (Def) Jamie (LM) Sam (CM) James (RM) Sam U (CF). Today's subs for the first half were Ben and Sam C.

With the fog lifting on a much calmer day than last week, our latest 9.00am kick off saw a fairly even first half. Notable chances for us fell to Sam A (Oppo's m.o.m) who crashed a long range effort off the post as well as another chance which went over the bar. James screwed a shot wide when played through on the right, and Edward forced a save from the keeper following a burst through the middle. The Yellows also had chances and forced a number of corners but the Raiders kept them at bay.

With half time approaching, the ball was launched into the Yellow's box when, inexplicably, a defender put his hand up to stop the ball, and with many shouts of "hand ball!" from the sidelines, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

James stepped up, and with a crisply taken spot kick to the keeper's left, we were 1-0 up at the break.

Changes were made at the break with Sam C and Ben replacing James and Jamie who had both had very good first halves.

It was the Yellows who started the second half more brighly and their neat passing play was rewarded with an equaliser 5 minutes in. A cross field ball which split our defence, followed by a good first time left foot finish which Elliot just failed to get to.

Harry, who as always battled hard and made many no nonsense clearances, made way for James to return in CM, with Sam A dropping back to partner Edward at the back. Sam U, showing some nice touches up front, was also rested to allow parent's m.o.m Jamie back into the fray.

Chances came either way in the last few minutes as both teams searched out a winner. James, playing some neat football in the middle, tried to set Ben away a couple of times but just overhit the passes by a fraction. James also had half a chance after creating space but the keeper gathered. Our best chance fell to Sam C on the right who steadied himself, took aim and fired towards goal, only for the Yellows to somehow scramble it away.

Final Whistle 1-1.

Again, it was good to see some of the lads trying to get the ball down and pass it in midfield, whilst others need to have more awareness of what is going on around them, especially when they have possesion of the ball. We also need to close down the opposition a little quicker. Too many times today we allowed them time to get the ball under control and make a pass. If we close down quicker, the opposition will make mistakes.

Finally, it was pleasing to hear the lads communicating a little more during the game. Lets have more of this.

KH