Match Result
PRC Riverlite 2 - Raptors 5
The first competitive game of the season for the Raptor 'Revolution' saw us take the trip to Caldecote to play PRC. After a heavy night at the curry house, management wasnt sure what kind of state the lads would be in.
With everyone turning up near enough on time albeit the Maddock party (broken down car), the boys were ready to for the game. Putting on the fresh new kit was also a boost for the squad.
We started 4-3-3 with
David Adams
Joe Santoriello (C) Jamie Frear Adam Constable Jack Gale
Cain Hamilton-Boyle Chris Patrickson Jason Fleeting
Ryan Maddock George Rogers Thomas Tompkins
With the match underway, PRC started the better of the teams, attacking and putting some nice through balls in. However, Raptors defence stood firm and cut out any chances.
Raptors then started to play football. The ball being moved around nicely saw Jason pick the ball up in the middle of the PRC half. He then slid through a beautiful pass between the defence, which saw Maddock get ahead of the defenders. With his shirt being pulled, he stayed on his feet and lobbed the ball over the keeper, who got a hand to the ball, but saw it nestle in the back of the net. 1-0
Raptors had found themselves, and continued to play the better football. It wasnt long before the next chance came. Pad picking the ball up out wide, delivered a peach of a cross that found the head of Jason, who flicked it in past the keeper. 2-0.
Tommy was then brought down, but the ref waved away all protests, before being brought down again in the area, and given the penalty. Tommy stepped up, and slotted the ball low to the keepers right. 3-0.
A few subs saw Brendan Cunningham replace Pogs, and Danny Warman replace Jason.
Danny then picked the ball out wide and with a lovely bit of skill, got the better of the defender and put a dangerous ball into the area, but no one got onto the end of it.
Half time and Raptors were deservedly ahead.
The second half began and a through ball by Maddock, put Brendan through who twisted and opened up his body to slot it nicely into the far corner. 4-0.
Raptors then started to become a bit complacent and think the game was over, which saw PRC have more of the ball and start to create chances.
A ball through was missed in the air by Big Dave that saw the striker head the ball goalwards, only to see his team partner steal the goal, and get flagged for an offside. A let off for Raptors, but signs we needed to pick up concerntration.
PRC continued to attack and soon got their rewards as 2 goals in 10 minutes saw them hit 2 shots outside the area, that rattled the net. 4-2.
A ball not dealt with by the PRC defence saw their defender head the ball the wrong way that fell to Brendan, who didnt hesitate in smashing it home, grabbing his brace and restoring a comfortable lead for the Raptors. 5-2.
Pogs then picked up the ball on the right wing and lashed home a lethal shot that saw it smash the post and come back out.
Full time was blown, and a great start to the season for the lads and more importantly 3 huge points.
A great show by lads today. Although a bit of complacency for 15 minutes in the second half, the lads all put in a shift and worked for each other. Chances were taken well and created even more opportunities. Passing was direct and kept short and communication was kept up.
Man of the match was a difficult one as a number of players stood out and the team worked together. However, Adam Constable walked away with the bottle after putting a solid performance in alongside Plaz.
Playet Ratings:
David Adams 7 Jack Gale 8 Jamie Frear 8 Adam Constable 10 Joe Santoriello 9 Cain Hamilton Boyle 7 Chris Patrickson 8 Jason Fleeting 8 Ryan Maddock 8 George Rogers 7 Thomas Tompkins 8 Brendan Cunningham 9 Danny Warman 7 Matt Bandy 7
We move on to next weeks match, which see us entertain Hawkins at Biddenham. Lets keep this momentum going and secure another 3 points.
#UptheRaptors
