Today the Raiders showed they had the heart to compete against a very strong Tongham Team and with Max Heyden leading by example in the middle of park the whole team battled right up until the last seconds of the game to Win 1-0!

After a few weeks off due to weather we turned up to Tongham to see a pitch that was very heavy and not ideal for passing.  The lads where told to compete every tackle and try and get quick balls upto our strikers as we knew what to expect after playing Tongham earlier this season.

Game kicks off and Max H involved straight away with a strong header and then a good strong challenge in the middle of the park setting the tone for the rest of the game, neither team are on top but both teams are giving everything.

Tongham try to attack but Luke T and Jamie both clear there lines with strong headers while Ollie and Adam B pass ball upto our Midfield of Ben M, Max, Dan and Elliot.

Elliot picks ball up in midfield and passes to Devlin upfront who shoots but saved well. Raiders are now on top with Dan and Lewis both having shots saved.  Time for subs and Luke P headers ball straight away and Joe runs onto it but just as about he is about to blast in to the net the Tongham defence get back to clear the danger.  Max H is still everywhere chasing every ball like his life depends on it with Bexx following suit up front the 1st half finishes 0-0!

2nd half starts and Tongham come straight at Raiders and look as they are clear but Jamie makes a great tackle to clear danger for a corner.  It is well defended but Tongham are having a spell on top and win another corner and it is put right into danger area but Matthew showes he can get in on the act with good bravery and comes through a crowd to punch ball clear up the pitch.

Lewis enjoying himself upfront has a shot saved, more Raiders pressure looks as though we have scored to go 1-0 upfront but Linesman says offside so not given even though it looked a perfectly good goal. Lewis is now swicthed to centre back and game still very even with ball in the middle of the park both teams give free kicks away and with Tongham having a lad that has a decent shot we have to be careful when defending however we have Lewis who puts ball right into box but no Raiders player was just not able to connect with.

Bexx and Max H still chasing every ball down upfront and in the middle of park and this leads to us winning a corner which Joe takes and Devlin flicks a fantastic near post header into penalty area where Lewis scrambles ball home to score 1-0. Tongham kick off and final whistle goes to show just how late we scored!

Everyone of you can be proud as you gave everything, it might not of been pretty football at times but you proved you can battle when you have to win a game which you may have lost earlier this season, M.O.M goes Max H who must have covered every blade of grass today and made non stop tackles to help set the tone for the rest of the team.

This really was a game of 2 half's as the Raiders where fantasic in the first half but then let all there good work go to waste in the 2nd half and lost any chance we had to catch top 2 in the league as we ended up losing 3-1!

We arrived at Beacon Hill to see a slope on the pitch and it was decided if we won the toss  we would go up the hill and try and keep in the game to try and come back during the 2nd half. We kicked off going up the slope and the Raiders where playing good football right from the back with Luke T involved various times and the midfield of Ben C, Max H and Elliot getting ball upto our forwards keeping ball in the Beacon Half.

Another good move now where Adam B passes to Joe who makes no mistake and scores 1-0 Raider.  The rest of first half was really good to watch as Beacon Hill attacked and the Raiders defended well and then attacked in numbers. The Raiders won a corner and it looked certain we would score again as Elliot hit crossbar and then we had a shot cleared off line when it looked easier to score.

The Raiders where really in control with Bexxy and Luke P linking well but we just could not get 2nd goal and just when the Raiders thought they could take foot off gas Beacon Hill score but not allollowed as off side.  Matthew not had a lot to do but whatever he has done he has done well and then first half whistle goes and the Raiders lead 1-0 at Half time and the coaches say just keep the same again for 2nd half.

2nd Half kicks off and Beacon Hill put there big no38 in the middle of the park and nobody picks him up and he just starts to run game as they hit the post but just a minute later play around us and the No38 scores to make 1-1.

The Raiders come back and a couple of times it looked as though we would take the lead though both Joe and Bexx  on both occasions saved or defended well.   When will we learn as yet again no midfield and Beacon Hill attack and score to make 2-1 and it could have been 3-1 but for Matthew saving on line before Luke T cleared just as their forward looked as though he would score. The Raiders are now playing as a team of individuals and not passing the ball where as Beacon Hill are playing well and win a free kick which is taken fantasically to score to make 3-1.

Both teams had various chances after this but neither team could score and final whistle goes 3-1 to Beacon Hill, what more can we say but we blew it.

All the good passing we did during 1st half was ruined in the 2nd half as we did not play as a team, you have to give Beacon Hill credit as they changed things at half time with there no.38 in particular taking control in 2nd half. M.O.M goes to Luke T for being solid and following coaches instructions!

The Raiders started 2012 with a good performance, a 5 - 1 Win against Frimley who had previously beaten us earlier in the season.

The game kicked off with Frimley only having 10 players although we where advised there 11th man would arrive shortly.  Early part of game and the Raiders are playing well with high intensity as the coaches requested with Joe breaking well a couple of times.  Frimley Keeper did a good job to stop although trust your left foot Joe and you will score more goals.

With the Raiders pushing Frimley back Adam has a shot from distance which keeper again saves before more pressure leads to Raiders winning a corner which Joe takes and could not placed in a better area as Ollie comes up from defence to score and make 1-0 Raiders.  We now win a free kick which Jamie takes but Frimley Keeper having a good game saves well.

13 minutes gone and the Frimley player turns up to take place on pitch  Not long after the Raiders win another corner which Joe takes again with same result only this time Bexx shoots but saved but there is Lewis to header ball into net and make 2-0 to the Raiders.

Game still tight but as the Raiders are pushing Forward Ollie takes a shot from around 30 yards out and scores a screamer to make 3-0 Raiders.  Frimley come back and break various times but Adam makes two great tackles in row to stop two attacks and keep clean sheet for Half Time 3-0  Raiders.

2nd Half starts and although Joe carries on from 1st half with a shot saved again the games a lot tighter with Luke T being called into action with a fantastic strong header out of defence to clear dangerous Frimley attack. Raiders did score again but did not count due to being off side. Dan had a shot saved and generally game got a bit scrappy.

Ben M involved with a lot of good Raiders play and not long after a good move between him and Joe leads to 4-0 to Raiders as Joe passes to him and shoots across goal to score.  The Raiders looking comfortable make a mistake from a throw in where Frimley player is first to ball and breaks to make 4-1.

Frimley now in control for a 5 minute period and Elliot, Ben C and Max H are all called into action and various times to make vital tackles and stop Frimley moves.  Frimley come back again and shoot which looks like it is going to fly in to the net but there is Matthew to make a great save and stop danger.

Luke P pace causing opposition problems and Raiders back on top Bexx has not stopped running and Ben M always looking for options before Joe gets ball and scores goal he deserves to make 5-1 to Raiders and game ends.

After previous game at the of 2011 you showed what you could do today with a good team performance with everyone of you playing your part in a good victory, M.O.M tough call today as Ollie played well and scored 2 goals from defence but Ben M just gets it today for a good goal but generally always offering the rest of team options and playing well.

With this being a Cup Game and a chance to get through to the last 8 we hoped the Raiders would be up for it against a Wey Valley Team from the League above so knew we would have to play at our best to get a result.

The 1st half started pretty even with Lewis, Dan and Max H all being involved and getting stuck in and keeping the game tight, then we made fatal error for switching off for about 5 minutes where Wey Valley made no mistakes and quickly went 2-0 up through a set peice and good play!

We suddenly woke up and got involved and this lead to us getting a goal back through a good break by Ben C and a pass to Bexx who finished to make 2-1, Raiders now getting back into this game and very close when Wey Valley win another corner but this time Matthew makes a great punch out which leads to the Raiders breaking and having a shot just wide before half time whistle goes 2-1 to Wey Valley.

Half time team talk was about playing like we did end of 1st half but this was destroyed when Wey Valley scored from kick off to make 3-1 and then a minute later it was 4-1. The rest of the second half was a shock to the management and parents as the Raiders just gave up and did not chase balls down allowed wey Valley all the time in the world to pass the ball around and score goals at will, Joe did get a consolation goal for game to end 10-2.

It was very clear Wey Valley deserved to win they played good football in triangles and are very strong at set pieces.  At times we did not get near them, but that said you should never just give up and go through the motions which was the most dissapointing thing today.

We all know what was said after the game and hope you come back in 2012 with the right attitude and put things right in future games to move up the league. Good luck to Wey Valley in next round as they did play well, although I dont think they will ever get a 2nd half easier than today.

No M.O.M today!

         Raiders lose 1-0 to Camberley in 3rd round of County Cup in tight game!

Well of all the teams we could have drawn in the Surrey County Cup we got our local rivals Camberley who we had previously beaten in the league earlier in the season but since then they have gone on a fantastic run where they now sit top of our league.

We Kick into the wind 1st half and early period of game is very tight with both teams over eager to get the ball but not hold there positions.  Both Devlin and Joe make some good runs but the Camberley defence are strong and stop our attacks while at the other end the Raiders defence of  Luke T,Jamie, Adam B and Ollie where equally ready to stop any danger with Adam and Jamie both playing particully well and on the rare occasion Camberley looked like getting through Matthew commanding area well.

Camberley starting to edge game when they suddenly break down wing and fire ball into the net to lead 1-0.  Raiders try and come back but we are playing as individuals and not as a team so make it easy for Camberley to control rest of 1st half before whistle goes 1-0 to Camberley at half time!

Half time team talk was about trying to use wind to our advantage and must start passing ball as to many of the team are trying to win the game on there own!

2nd half starts and we win a free kick which Elliots gets onto the end of and shoots but saved well, game carries on like 1st half where both defences are on top but suddenly Joe goes on a run down wing when fouled and wins a free kick but yet again defended well.

Camberley come back and break free but Matthew makes a fantasic finger tip save which Jamie follows up well to clear danger.  Daniel now playing in defence and passes ball well when under pressure. Max is running his heart out but the Raiders just can not seem to take control of the game when suddenly we break and ball goes across goal past Camberley G.K and just when you think we are going to score as we have 2 players waiting we miss an open goal and knock ball into side netting.

Last few minutes it is all Raiders putting pressure on Camberley deep into there half with them counter attacking, Adam has shot from distance which is saved then Luke P makes pass of game to Joe who runs and shoots but again cleared for a corner. Last minute and the Raiders win a free kick just outside there box which Luke T takes and knocks just wide of goal but ref says take again as Camberley Wall has moved forward so we get a second chance however the wall does its job and game ends 1-0 to Camberley.

Camberley just edged the game today and the only reason for this was becuase they played better as a team as to many of our lads tried to go past 3 or 4 players at a time.   Boys please understand we want you to take players on but when you go past one or two then pass to one of your fellow players in space and we will score more goals!

GOOD LUCK TO CAMBERLEY IN NEXT ROUND, M.O.M close call between Jamie and Adam and could have gone to ether one but Jamie just edged this week.

It was back to league fixtures this weekend against Rushmoor Comm.Colts and with an MP as a ref  and a coach to help him both teams looked eager to get game started.

Game starts and the Raiders were poor during early stages not passing ball or taking touch and generally allowing Rushmoor Colts to control game.  A rare moment of skill by the raiders where Bexx allows us to win a corner which was well collected by Rushmoor Keeper.

We all know what Luke P can do and great pressure by him allows him to win ball and pass to Bexx who makes no mistake against run of play to score 1-0 Raiders, however when will we learn teams are at most dangerous straight from kick off and Rushmoor did just that and ran through our defence to score and make 1-1 (Bad Goal).

Game carries on and after round of subs the Raiders improved slightly with one move involving Luke P,Devlin and Bexx heading just wide showing what Raiders can do. Rushmoor Colts come back but this time Jamie stops attack and passes ball to Bexx who knocks a great ball to Joe who makes no mistake and hit ball high in to net to score 2-1 Raiders.

Game carries on and although Colts had more pressure we had a great chance in last minute with both Joe and Luke available for shot and Joe took control but Keeper saves well half time whistle goes 2-1 Raiders.

Half time team talk was clear that lads had to do better and that Bexx was only lad who could not of done any more and the rest of the team had to do better!

2nd half started and we must admit it was all rushmoor Colts and they nearly  scored but Matthew makes a great save to knock ball wide and just when you thought they would follow up first Max H clears ball out of danger.   By now after Darrens orders Lewis is man marking their big lad who is  running  the game and it starts to help Raiders get back into game. However back Rushmoor come and yet again Matthew shows a great pair of hands and saves well at an important part of gam to keep us in it.

Max H moved into centre of park and Raiders starting to improve with Devlin now being main threat (even Ref coach made a point of saying what good skill Devlin was showing down wing).  Not long after Devlin goes past 3 players like they are not there and passes ball to Max H who shoots first time but just into side netting, with Lewis looking after there big lad and Max H in middle of park and Devlin on wing Raiders starting to take control of game which leads to Devlin crossing into box and Joe connects to make 3-1 Raiders before final whistle goes.

We did not play well but showed signs of what we can do when we pass ball around, however we still won which shows signs of a good team  Rushmoor must surely move up the table if they continue to play like they did today, M.O.M goes to Matthew in goal for making two important saves at vital time of game plus general good handling throughout the 60 minutes.

                  Raiders through to last 16 of League Cup after win against Petersfield!

With the Raiders having already played Petersfield in the league earlier this season both teams knew each other strengths.  Game kicks off and straight away Ben M and Joe involved in a good passing move forward but Petersfield defend well and play nice football down the wing but this time Jamie intercepts to clear danger. 

Game very even in midfield Max H everywhere and just when we look like team on top Petersfield break well and hit the post, we counter attack and Lewis hits just wide.                       Matthew commanding box well calling for the ball and showing a safe pair of hands, then suddenly Petersfield striker leaves our 3 defenders looking at each other and linesman as he sprints away to score and make 1-0 Petersfield.

Petersfield looking to add to their lead but this time a great move from the Raiders start with a header from Jamie in our box to Luke who sprinted like the wind down the wing and passed to Joe who crossed into box and Lewis was there to score and make 1-1 (Real good team goal). Not long after half time whistle goes 1-1 Half Time!

2nd half starts and good pressure from Raiders lead to us winning a corner which Ollie was unlucky with his shot just wide.  Devlin and Elliot working hard in middle of park keeping the ball in Petersfield half. Again like 1st half when we where looking comfortable Petersfield suddenly attack and hit shot from distance and hit cross bar, this give Raiders wake up call they need as Ben M runs from our half under pressure from Petersfield Midfield players and shows real strength to hold off and then pass ball to Devlin who takes ball further up pitch and then crosses to Max H who scrambles ball into the net 2-1 Raiders!

Last few minutes and Adam B defending well high up the pitch to keep ball in there half, even though it is last few minutes ball kept in the Peterfield half until last seconds when they suddenly counter attack and look like they might score but Matthew stays focused to save danger and game ends 2-1 to the Raiders!

All of you played your part today and if we can just stay composed at certain times and pass ball earlier  we could score more goals, Petersfield will feel hard done by after hitting post and crossbar in this game however i think it would be fair to say we had more possesion and our 1st goal really showed what we can do. WELL DONE!

M.O.M goes to Jamie for clearing a lot of danger out of defence and helping to turn defence into attack!

With no game this week we arranged a friendly Mini Soccer match against Camberley U10's who are riding high in there respective league and with Josh Barnard playing for them we knew would have to give them respect they deserved.   With us having so many lads available being 8 a side it was explained that  all the lads would be rotated during the four quarters of the match.

1st Quarter started and despite glimpses of good play between Devlin, Joe and Bexx not a lot more postive can be said as Camberley surprised us by winning every tackle and being really positive in there play especially when they scored with a good move down the wing and leaving a few of our lads behind them and a great finish to make 1-0 Camberley, the 1st 12 minutes finished and Camberley took a well deserved lead!

2nd Quarter and we changed 6 of the lads and it was explained clearly they had seen how not to play and had to tackle and then do simple things righ.   Straight away Ben C, Elliot and Ben M passed the ball around in a nice move where Ben M scored to make 1-0 Raiders.  More good passing between Ben M and Elliot leads to Raiders controlling the game when suddenly Camberley break well but great cover by Dan stopped any danger.  Luke T playing well in defence trying to push ball up the pitch leads to Joe striking ball from distance and he hits post. Raiders had more pressure but just could get the 2nd goal before 2nd 12 minutes finished and we won this period 1-0!

3rd period and more changes, this time Lewis is running middle of park during early exchanges getting forward and back.  Luke P using his pace to break but defended really well for goal kick, from this great pressure on the goal kick lead to Ben M scoring to lead 1-0 during this quarter and his second of the game, Camberley came straight back at us and there striker took advantage of a mix up at the back to loop ball into the goal to make 1-1, quarter ends and game even 2-2 with last 12 minutes to go.

4th Quarter, Joe into goal for last 1/4 giving Matthew a well deserved break, early stages pretty even when a goal kick across our goal mouth nearly lead to Camberley scoring but just wide of post.   Now its Camberley's turn on a goal kick and great pressure by Bexx leads to him making no mistake and scoring 1-0 Raiders, game still close but Bexx scores again to make  2-0 and wrap up the match for us 4-2 overall.

A really good run out for our lads and it must of been strange going back to Mini Soccer but i think a few of the lads expected they just had to turn up to win and boy where you proved wrong and it showed you have to respect all opposition as we where 2nd best for the first 1/4 and the break came at a good time,  that said we got better as the match went on with Bexx and Ben M taking there goals really well.

Lets start next weeks league Cup game like we ended this game, good luck to Camberley for the rest of there season you played well today!

The Raiders playing at Connaught for the first time on a Sunday morning against a Kingstonian team who are from a higher division in the West Surrey Youth league.  The lads knew they would have to give 100% and more to get a result especially with Lewis and Max H missing today and Luke P having to leave at Half Time.

Game starts and very scrappy in early stages when Joe suddenly brakes free to be 1 v 1 against last defender but there no6 clears well.   Next period continues like first few minutes with their tall lad in the middle of park winning every header, it did not matter what area of pitch the ball came from it seemed glued to his head, with this in mind Matthew advised to make all goal kicks wide which helped us get possesion and Luke P really getting stuck in R.M and making 2 great balls up the pitch helping Raiders to attack but Kingstonain defend well.

Injury in middle of park leads to a drop 50/50 ball which breaks to Joe who uses his pace and strength to score 1-0 Raiders.  Back Kingstonian come passing ball out wide but both  Adam and Jamie clearing danger well sometimes by skin of there teeth, still time for Luke P to make pass of first half upto Joe but again they clear well before half time whistle goes 1-0 Raiders.

2nd half starts and Kingstonian come straight at Raiders but there is Adam b there to clear danger back they come and this time Jamie clears danger, pressure starting to tell and Kingstonain come back again this time a lost tackle leads to a powerful shot which Matthew saves but there lad first to ball and scores to make 1-1.   Game continues with Kingstonian making most of attacks but Raiders counter attacking and causing them problems, Devlin working his socks off receives ball and goes on a run and crosses to Joe who makes no mistake 2-1 Raiders, we nearly score again when more good work between  Bexx, Joe and Devlin lead to a shot just wide. kingstonian show there class and attack in numbers pass ball to there front man who rides past 3 tackles (must do better lads) and shots to make 2-2, rest of game very even and when ever they do break free the Raiders defence of Luke t, Jamie, Ollie and Adam B clear well full time whistle goes 2-2.

Extra time and surprised to hear 10mins each way and game very even although could tell both sets of lads starting to get tired, Raiders Midfield of Elliot, Dan, Ben m, Ben C and Devlin have worked really hard against a very slick midfield of Kingstonian and try and get ball up to Bexx and Joe but whole of extra time goes with neither team able to score so penalties it is, Darren talks to lads and first 5 are picked and are told what ever you do be positive. Ben c, Joe, Dan and Luke t all hit good penalites to lead 4-3 when Matthew saves their 4th penalty it leaves Devlin to step up and score for Raiders to make it through to 3rd round!

Must say the game was played in great Spirit with both sets of lads doing there clubs proud, our M.O.M is a tough call as you all played your part but goes Adam B today for being our Rock and not letting anything get past him.

With Division 1 being so close, a win for ether team could put you in top 3 and a defeat could leave you towards bottom of the table so both teams went for it with the Raiders having more possesion in early stages with Lewis at centre of most of it and Ben C, Luke P backing him up with the Beacon Hill G.K keeping them in the game during early stages.  Beacon Hill attacked with real conviction and scored with there first real clear chance 1-0 Beacon Hill.

The pattern of early stages continued for rest of first half with Raiders passing ball around but not in there danger areas and Beacon Hill counter attacking and looking more likely to score when they did have ball However Adam, Ollie and Matthew all clearing danger when needed.

Half time team talk was that we were too quiet and had the possesion but had to do more with the ball and straight away Lewis had a shot saved by the Beacon G.K, not long after Joe hit ball well to score and make 1-1. Back Beacon Hill came, this time Jamie makes a good clearance up to Max B who has not stopped making fantastic runs up front and this time he wins a corner, but from our corner they counter attack and hit a long ball up front and they score 2-1 Beacon Hill.

Back the Raiders come with Ben C now playing right back and he hit 2 good long free kicks into Beacon Hill danger area and we win another corner which this time our pressure lead to us hitting the crossbar, Raiders are not giving up and win another corner and this time Max B scores to make 2-2, last few minutes both teams had chances  but game ends a  2-2 Draw and is a fair result as no team deserved to loose.

M.O.M given to Lewis for being strong in the middle of the park today and being involved in a lot of our attacks.

After break last week the Raiders had a chance to put our last league performance behind us against a Petersfield team who beat Tongham last week so we knew we would have to play well.

The Raiders start well with Ben M, Oli and Lewis all working the ball around the pitch, pressure by Raiders leads to ball falling to Devlin who is way out but hits a lob shot from distance and it flies over the G.K into the net 1-0 Raiders. Devlin now is enjoying himself and passes ball to Max B who finish's well 2-0 Raiders, all Raiders now with us playing some of our best football this season with one touch passing and keeping Petersfield in there half and we win a corner which is defended well and just when we are looking comfortable Petersfield attack but there is Matthew who comes out well to save and clear danger.

After a round of subs the Raiders continue to play well now with Ben C passing a ball into Lewis who flicks ball on off his head onto Max B who scores with his head to make 3-0 Raiders, Adam and Jamie clearing any danger out of defence making sure Petersfield are kept at bay.  Back the Raiders come and pressure pays off as Dan scores to make 4-0 Raiders and then half time whistle goes 4-0 Raiders.

2nd half starts and Petersfield come striaght out of blocks at Raiders and Matthew called in to action earlier on with a save from a free kick, Ben C getting compliments from both teams with his perfect corners right into danger zone, Max H is everywhere in midfield but back Petersfield come and there pressure pays off when they score from a corner to make 4-1.

Lewis is not losing a single header and this leads to a good move between Elliot, Devlin and Joe as there pressure pays off as Petersfield score an own goal 5-1 Raiders, still time for Petersfield to come back and the Raiders defence  hold out well and game ends 5- 1 Raiders.

The 1st half we played some of our best football this season but in strange way the second half was more pleasing as Petersfield put us under real pressure at times and we cleared ball well and and still played football, M.O.M goes to Devlin for his goal and general good movement passing ball all over the pitch but today is one of those days where you all can be proud!

We arrived at Frimley knowing what to expect but unfortunately the lads where slow out of the blocks today losing most 50/50 ball or header situations, we struggled to get our passing going and were punished when a Frimley counter attack with real pace led to them scoring when there striker was stronger on the ball and had a shot which deflected off Jamie into the net 1-0 Frimley.  There where moments where the Raiders tried to get going with Max Bexx making 2 great headers our of defence and Luke P running down line but we just can't seem to make enough passes to make Frimley G.K  to make a save. 1-0 Frimley at Half Time!

2nd half was slightly better but continued like first half being very scrappy with nether team taking a touch and passing ball around, Adam B and Ollie both called into action to stop Frimley attacks and when they did break free Matthew came out well to clear danger, however Frimley  scored again to make 2-0. it was only with about 4 mintues to go when Max B went on a run and the Raiders won a corner from a good save from Frimley Keeper and then hit cross bar twice before game ended 2-0 to Frimley.

Have to give Frimley credit as all there lads really wanted to win this game which showed in there tackles and commitment, it was only towards the end of the game did we show what we could do and even then the ball would not fall our way and have to say it was a off day which we will put right in our next league game.         M.O.M goes to Ollie who never gave up today!

Well here we are Raiders first ever game on a Sunday in a Cup where we dont know what the oppsition will be like but that is part of the fun of the Cup.

Game starts and Raiders straight out of the blocks putting pressure on the opposition, good run out of defence by Jamie and a pass through to Joe who makes no mistake and scores to make 1-0 Raiders, not long after Jamie makes a cross to Joe who is on fire and scores to make 2-0 Raiders.

All Raiders now and we win 3 corners in a row but AFC break well and Max H shows what heart he has by getting back when it does not look possible to clear danger,  straight away Max H involved in a good passing move out of defence up to Dan leads to Raiders win a corner which results in Devlin scoring off post to make 3-0, not long after guess who Joe hits a really hard shot to make 4-0 Raiders not long after half time whistle 4-0 RAIDERS!

2nd Half starts like 1st and all Raiders when Luke T makes a good throw to Luke P who could not put a more perfect cross and Dan gets to the ball first to score and make 5-0 Raiders, however AFC show they have not just up to make numbers by getting to a Raiders mistake first and scoring to make 5-1, Raiders come back and cross to Joe who makes 6-1.

Now this is where Raiders lost there way allowing AFC to get back into the game by being sloppy and we pay the mistake as AFC score to make 6-2, Raiders are now under pressure and AFC really coming back well and shoot again but Matthew saves well, Raiders come back and win a free kick which Joe gets on to the end of to make 7-2 before final whistle goes.

M.O.M goes to Joe for scoring 5 goals and generally playing perfect striker role!

After last weeks good performance it was great to see that  the boys where all up for our Derby game against Camberley.  Game kicks off and during the early stages it is Lewis who is at the centre of everything linking up well with forwards and with Max B pushing defence forward.  The Raiders are having most of the possession which is rewarded when Lewis and Luke P get ball across the box and there is Elliot to score and make 1-0.

Joe is causing problems for Camberley upfront with his pace, and when ever Camberley do look to break the Raiders defence is first to ball to clear.  Ball falls to Lewis who is way out but has a shot and it flies in to the goal 2-0 Raiders, we really are on top now and Elliot has a good shot saved well by Camberley Keeper and just when you think we are comfortable Camberley break with real pace and conviction and look certain to score as have left Raiders defence for dead but Matthew comes out really quick and makes himself look big to save at an important part of the game.

During last 10 minutes Matthew is called into action again with another good save.  Again we break and think we have scored with good work between Devlin and Joe but not given due to offside, Joe not to be denied gets to another cross first and score and make 3-0 Raiders and then not long after the whistle goes for HALF TIME RAIDERS LEAD 3-0.

2nd half kicks off and continues like first half with Raiders in possesion and when ever Camberley do look to break there is Jamie headering ball out or Adam B being our wall and not letting anybody getting past even when he is out numbered 2 v 1, good pressure by Joe who wins ball and passes to Luke P who makes no mistake to score 4-0 Raiders, Camberley who are not giving up continue to fight back and force a good save by Matthew and then a fantasic tackle by Adam B just when it looks like Camberley might score, our turn to counter attack and Joe breaks free and make 5-0 Raiders.

Ben M showing some really nice skill going past 2 lads as though they where not there but cleared well.  Camberley come back but this time Max B who playing at left back shows real class by winning ball in defence and then running past 3 Camberley players and shoots from edge of box but hits post, last period of the game even in midfield but Raiders defence clear any danger that come there way and game ends 5-0 to the Raiders.

Well done lads both parents and coaches proud of you, M.O.M tough as you all played your part but it goes to Max B for playing at left back for the 1st time and looking as though he had being doing it for years being comfortable on ball when under pressure and yet at the same time pushing the defence forward when needed.

                                                                         Matthew Funnell

                                                Jamie Hobbs                            Oliver Copland

Luke Tolhurst                                                                                                                 Adam Burrell

                                                Ben Calver                                Max Heyden

Elliot Hopper                                                                                                                  Devlin Freeburn

                                                Lewis Herzog                           Daniel Barnard

Subs 

Joe Burrell, Max Beken, Luke Pearson, Ben Murphy

The Raiders arrive at Bourne to see a good size pitch and during warm up the coaches stress to lads we must pass the ball and let it do the work instead of trying to do it on there own like we did last week.

Raiders kick off and Max H involved with a cracking tackle in first minute, Raiders put on a lot of pressure in early stages with the Bourne keeper saving well from both Devlin and Lewis, Ben C puts a corner in which any Premiership player would have been proud of but unfortunately nobody can connect with. More pressure from Raiders leads to a free kick which Ben C puts in and Devlin flicks it to score and make 1-0.

During rest of the 1st half more pressure from Raiders lead to Daniel being aware to Bourne mistake and scoring to make 2-0 and then not long after Joe goes on a great run into box and then crosses to Elliot who scores to make 3-0, during this half Lewis and Devlin also hit the post before half time whistle goes 3-0 to the Raiders.

Bourne kick off 2nd half but Raiders carry on from 1st half and Joe shows his pace to get to ball and scores 4-0, Devlin who has played really well during game as striker makes a good pass across the box to Ben M who makes no mistake to make 5-0, it really is all Raiders and Daniel hits the post a couple of times on top of a load of shots saved or just over the bar from him.

More good play leads to another cross which Joe connects with to make 6-0, now with the Raiders all pushing up you have to give Bourne credit as they break away very quickly and shoot across our goal although Matthew gets his hand to it can not keep out and now it is 6-1.

Last period of game now and Joe is really enjoying himself showing nice skills and pace and runs on to a ball from Midfield and scores to get his hat-trick 7-1, not long after he turns provider to Luke P who also shows fantastic pace to make 8-1 before final whistle goes.

Well done lads a fantastic performance and it shows if you play as a team what you can do, MOM wa a real tough choice as various players deserve it but it goes to Elliot for getting one of goals but more importantly really linking up well with whole team.

                                                                         Matthew Funnell

                                                Jamie Hobbs                            Oliver Copland

Adam Burrell                                                                                                                  Max Heyden

                                                Daniel Barnard                          Lewis Herzog

Ben Murphy                                                                                                                     Max Beken

                                                Joe Burrell                                  Luke Pearson

Subs 

Devlin Freeburn, Ben Calver, Elliot Hopper, Luke Tolhurst

Well we are finally here 1st 11 a side competitive game of the season against a Tongham Vipers team that always gives
100 % commitment, both teams have warm up and coaches on both sides go through final details and the lads look up for the 1st game of the season.
Starting 11 is Matthew in Goal with Max H, Jamie, Ollie and Adam B at the back with Max B, Dan, Lewis and Ben M in midfield with Luke P and Joe up front, captain for this game is Jamie H.

Raiders kick off match and look for early ball up to our strikers, early period of the match is very scrappy with both teams not putting there foot on the ball and looking for pass and game reminds me of early days at Mini Soccer.
Tongham make 1st attack on goal but Matthew in goal gathers shot well, Raiders passing ball but with no conviction get caught with counter attack and like last weeks friendly miss various tackles and Tongham lad does really well and hits shot in to goal to go 1-0 up.

Raiders win a free kick which Jamie takes and knocks up to Luke P who shows his pace to connect with ball but just off target, now Joe shows some really nice skills with some keep ups in middle of pitch and then a pass up front but Tongham defend well, game is very even skill wise but it is clear for all to see that Tongham want more by winning every 50/50 tackle or header, also both sets of coaches will be disappointed with foul throws from both sets of players in early stages.
Raiders trying to push forward win a throw in which Oli takes charge and shows how to do by finding Max B who links well with Joe but his shot just wide.
With around 22minutes gone time for some subs with Dan, Ben M and Adam going off for a rest while Ben C, Devlin and Luke T coming on, next minute carries on like rest of game and another change with Elliot coming on for Max B.
Raiders starting to compete and Oli is making really good throws trying to push up Max H and forwards and with next throw in leads to a raiders attack which leads to a goal scramble in Tongham box but the ball will just not fall right and Tongham clear, another Raiders attack and Elliot follows up well and is very unlucky with a shot just over before halt time whistle goes 1-0 to Tongham Vipers.

Half time team talk is all about taking a touch and looking to pass the ball but we have to compete as Tongham have won every 50/50 Challenge, the 11 on pitch at end of the 1st half start 2nd half but Luke P goes to R.M with Devlin going up front.

Luke P involved straight away with a good hard tackle, Tongham come back but again Oli comes back to clear really well.
This period of 2nd half is very even with both teams not passing ball like they would have hoped to however at least we are starting to compete for the 50/50- balls, Luke P goes on another run but Tongham defence clear well yet again with long clearance, during next 5 minute period both teams make various changes, with about 5 minutes to go Raiders attack and get ball to Devlin who makes a great run and looks certain to score when Tongham defender gets back to block shot for a corner, have to give Tongham credit they fight for everything and clear ball well.
With only around 4 minutes to go we go 3 at back with Oli coming off and Lewis coming on, the Raiders attack and look to score when Tongham counter attack quickly and hit our post.
Raiders look to attack for last period but just can not seem to get final pass right and game ends 1-0 to Tongham!

As the coaches said at the end of the game you have to start every game up for it and be willing to compete and earn right to play, that said you carried on to the final whistle and never gave up so if we can get final ball right up to our forwards we will win more games than we lose.

 Michaela and Oliver relaxing back at home.