After a disappointing result last week, Raptors knew that today they needed to use some bouncebackability. The opponents we welcomed to Biddenham today, were Little Paxton.
We returned to the 4-2-3-1 formation today instead of the 4-3-3 we have played so far this season. Setting up from the off was:
GK: Dave
LB: Roger CB: Lava CB: Joe (C) RB: Bandy
CM: Pad CM: Caino
LW: Matty CAM: Danny RW: Pogs
ST: Brendan
Raptors started the game positively, and moved the ball around well, something that was missing last week. The ball was worked around well in the middle, and was pushed out wide and back when needed.
Raptors went ahead after a ball was pushed out wide to Pogs, who put a lovely ball over to Brendan, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. 1-0.
Little Paxton created chances, but Big Dave was on hand to stop any damage being done, with some great interceptions and pulling crosses out of the air.
Raptors kept attacking and shouldve had another as Pogs smashed home a shot, that hit the far post.
Matthew Poulton caused trouble down the left and fizzed a couple of sweet balls across the area, but nobody was on the end to finish off.
Then a moment of magic from George Rogers. He picked up the ball deep, and dribbled forward, evading a few Paxton players. As he continued to move forward with the ball and manager KP shouting out to release it, Pogs had other ideas. As he moved the ball onto his right foot and allowed that extra yard, he fired the ball into the bottom of the goal. A beauty of a goal for the Birthday boy. 2-0.
Danny Warman returning to the CAM role then picked up a ball, and with a delightful chip pass over the defence, found Brendan Cunningham who finished off another attack. His 2nd of the game and Raptors 3-0 up.
Half time saw one change. Roger giving way to Alex.
The second half was similar to the first with Raptors continuing to attack.
A sub saw Kevin Deverick come on for Pogs. Within 5 minutes of the sub, a ball was passed to Chris Patrickson, who put a lovely through ball between the defence, and Kev running on to it finished it off well. A lovely goal. 4-0.
This gave us a comfortable lead and more subs were made. James Stuart coming on for Danny Warman and Darren Breeze for Matty.
Big David Adams continued his brilliant form making some brilliant saves, to ensure he walked away with his 2nd clean sheet of the season.
Raptors had plenty more chances and possibly should of walked away 7 or 8 nil winners, but failed to convert anymore chances.
A great display from the squad today saw everyone perform in my opinion the best we have played all season. From defence to attack everyone played for each other and as a unit we were solid.
Man of the match was a tricky one as Joe Santoriello and Ryan Frear were a brick wall at the back, Roger Fowler and Alex Connolly also having a great game at LB. Chris and Cain Hamilton-Boyle absolutely bossed the middle and played some great one twos. Danny Warman on fire back in the CAM role with an assist and unlucky not to get on scoresheet himself and Brendan with his hard work rate and 2 goals.
But MOTM went to Matt Bandy. Playing at RB saw him put in his best performance Ive seen from him in a Raptors shirt.
We move on to next week and the cup game against Hatters. The squad and starting 11 for this will both be put up Tuesday.
Player Ratings
Dave Adam 8 Roger Fowler 9 Alex Connolly 8 Ryan Frear 9 Joe Santoriello 9 Matt Bandy 10 Chris Patrickson 9 Caino Hamitlon Boyle 9 Danny Warman 9 Matty Poulton 8 George Rogers 9 Brendan Cunningham 9 James Kendall 7 Kevin Deverick 8 Darren Breeze 7
