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since September 1, 2007
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Game DetailsReturn To Game Schedule| Location | Rowley Lane Sports Ground |
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| Date | Mar 7, 2010 |
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| Time | 2:00 pm |
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| Type | Regular Season |
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| Game Notes | “Keep the Faith”
The Yellows have made an excellent start this year. Let’s not forget that they have joined the West Herts league as a new side, mid way through the season with many of the boys being new to playing for a team on a regular basis. Yellow ‘scalps’ this year have included the much fancied and more experienced Harpenden and Hemel Athletic sides.
This week the Yellows were up against London Maccabi, a side they had drawn 2-2 with previously and who are renowned for being difficult to beat. And that reputation is heightened when Maccabi are playing at home. Therefore, it was off to sunny Barnet for the Yellows first taste of action on their 3G astroturf.
The Yellows were joined by some “on loan” signings from the Blues and Whites and lined up as follows:
Whiter, Sharrocks, Casserley, Nolan, Cadeau, Davis, Maheswaren, Deeley and Kraftchenko.
From the kick off Maccabi were full on in attack. This was a strong Maccabi side. In fact it was a very strong side as it later transpired that such was the perceived threat from the Yellows after their last encounter with Macabbi, they had decided to field their ‘Red’ 1st team (which they shouldn’t have). When you look at the Yellows performance in that context and in the words of Harry Redknapp, “the boys done well”.
Throughout the first half Raiders dug deep and defended well to keep Maccabi at bay. Whiter in goal during the first half was exceptional and given he had played for the Blues on Saturday and had also done the 5 mile fun run earlier that Sunday morning, it was an ‘epic’ performance between the sticks. In the 2nd half he worked well with the ever impressive Sharrocks to battle for every ball and helped ensure the Yellows pride remained intact despite the eventual final score line.
Also, fresh from the ‘fun run’ were Davis and Nolan who like Whiter had also been in Raiders action that weekend also. It didn’t show though. Davis was a constant threat with his strong purposeful runs at Macabbi. He was such a handful the opposition side started to resort to late challenges to keep him in check. Davis ran his heart out and was cruelly denied the goal or three that he deserved.
Nolan played his part too. Always looking for a ball to set Davis & Maheswaren free up front, Nolan used the wings well to get the ball forward. However, like many of his team-mates found himself pinned back by some very robust defending. However, he never gave up.
Nolan and Maheswaren were good examples of that, getting well in there to fight for possession throughout the entire game and like Davis gave it their all.
Raiders then went behind to a free kick that arguably wasn’t and then controversially as they regrouped, Macabbi took the kick “early” and the ball was in the net. Comparisons were naturally drawn to the recent Arsenal vs. Porto game where the ref allowed similar to happen.
But Raiders were in fighting mood and Davis, Nolan, Deeley and Maheswaren responded to the challenge well and all went close to scoring but it didn’t quite happen.
In the 2nd half, Casserley was making an impression. Harry battled alongside his teammates to look for that elusive opening. However, Maccabi were in no mood to give their lead up as some questionable tackles from the opposition flew in some of which Harry was on the receiving end of but he too never gave up.
Deeley making his debut for Raiders also impressed. In the first half he was calm and composed and played his part in Raiders build up play and had a couple of great shots on goal denied by some excellent goal keeping. In the 2nd half he was in goal and made some brave stops as the Raiders defence was besieged by the surging Maccabi attack. A welcome and valuable addition to the side.
Kraftchenko from the Blues showed his commitment to the cause by playing out of his normal position and bolstering the Yellows defence. It was an impressive performance from the Blues midfielder who made some great intercepts and as he has done many times for his own team, turned it into a counter attack by running at the opposition.
And speaking of defenders, another mention for Sharrocks and Whiter. Partnering together at the back, the boys communicated well with each other, one staying back as the other pushed up to try and stem the Maccabi assault on goal. Sharrocks was duly awarded ‘Man of the Match’ for another great assured and mature display. Well done Alfie.
Another Raiders “Blue”, Cadeau was also on form in this tough encounter. Like his teammates he was always looking for that killer pass to put the front men on goal. Cadeau too had a crack or two on goal but sadly with no luck. Some great tackles and passing too from the Blues continental midfield maestro.
As always Maheswaren was giving it his all and he was another great example of Raider’s fighting spirit. Maheswaren was always a threat and as a result also found himself a target for some late challenges – a clear sign of the dangerman that he is. Some great mazy runs by the Yellow’s playmaker with some great passing too.
This fighting team spirit was also evident by the way the boys never got on each others cases despite the game going against them. So when the final whistle blew (I think it may have developed a fault when the first goal was conceded?), the Yellows could still hold their heads up high. They had battled hard, had stuck to their game plan and not become ill-disciplined despite some of the things going on around them. They had also showed fair play and integrity which was not always reciprocated.
So it may not have been a Yellows victory but the boys will be stronger because of their performance yesterday and had played well against lets not forget, was a much more experienced Maccabi Red 1st team.
Next game vs. ChorleyWood Storm 11 am at Berko.
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