Everybody was very tense with the first game of the season about to start. Closed season activity was very busy with new signings Braden, Daniel P, Kyle and George to strengthen the team while offering extended contracts to the formidable Joe P, Joe B, Michael, Harry and Charlie. Unfortunately we were missing Daniel S through international duty.
The game started very busy with Braden doing an amazing tackle and setting the tempo of the game. Raiders then got a free kick which George took and just missed the target. Fleet spurs broke free and scored against the run of play in the 4th minute and while raiders were picking themselves up from this shock fleet spurs showing great skill scored again in the 6th minute.
Raiders responded very well with Charlie making a great tackle and passing the ball into Joe P who gave a brilliant long range kick turning defence into attack only for fleet defenders to crowd out any opportunity.
With George and Joe P (captain) working hard in defence, Daniel, Charlie and Braden showing great skills in the middle Raiders continued battling but were unable to create many chances and get the ball to Michael who never stopped running in an attempt to create something up front. Charlie had a further shot at goal and was a shame he didn't net.
Fleet moved the action up field where Joe B had a couple of great saves but unfortunately a 1 on 1 gave fleet a great opportunity which was well taken as Joe ran quickly out but was unable to do anything.
12mins into the half disaster struck with Daniel being brought down and injured after beating several players. So forced substitutions meant Kyle and Harry came on for Daniel and George with both players settling in very quickly and Kyle looking good on the ball and Harry making some excellent defensive tackles. When the whistle went for half-time raiders were down 3-0 but playing well.
Raiders came out for the Second half with a few changes the experienced Michael replacing Joe B between the sticks and Harry promoted to captain. The match continued very similar with Raiders working very hard but unable to create much opportunity. Charlie showed some great skills running down the line and Kyle beat several fleet players only to find them resolute in defence. Harry continuing some great tackles and Michael looking confident seemed to frustrate fleet for quite a while, before they finally got two further quick goals halfway through the second half.
With Daniel recovered and George raring to go they came back on to replace Braden and Charlie with a well deserved break. Things turned more towards the end of the game as fleet tired and Raiders went forward in numbers the ball falling to Joe B who took a long range effort going just over the bar.
Fleets sixth goal was an amazing free kick curled into the far top corner with Michael having no chance of getting near it.
It was a shame that the end result didn't include a goal as Raiders hard work deserved it!!
Well done boys - good start to the season Fleet Spurs were an excellent team and you are all showing promise and will only continue to build as a team.
Man of the match: Harry Foote
Roving reporter Niamh Barnes at Connaught Park.