2 Late Goals Not Enough

Would like to start by thanking M9s for turning up today in the terrible conditions, and with players missing.

Raptors welcomed M9's to Biddenham today. By kickoff, both teams were wet through courtesy of our lovely British weather.

Although M9's started the game with 8 men, they capitalised on a Raptors team that didnt settlr into the game well.

A ball though the defence, saw Big Dave come out and win the ball, only tto see it rebound off him and go to the striker who lobbed the ball over the backtracking Dave, and nestle into the net. M9's 1-0.

After 10 minutes, M9's had a couple more players arrive, and they continued to take advantage of Raptors not getting into the game.

A freekick was then awarded to M9's that found its way to the back post for the M9's player to put across the face of goal and tap home their 2nd.

Raptors started to get into the game a little and 2 chances for Tommy, saw one go over the bar and the other deflect for a corner.

Half time and Raptors saw themselves 2-0 again for the 2nd week running.

A few changes saw new personnel enter the field of play.

Raptors started to play the way we know we can in the 2nd half. The best chance falling to Danny Warman, who was the receipient of a Jack Gale cross in the area, but couldnt finish his chance.

Against the run of play, M9's got the ball on the Raptors line running parallel to the Raptors goal. Somehow, a ball was able to be put across the mouth of the goal again, and tapped home to give M9's a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The second half saw Cain Hamilton-Boyle transform from Djemba Djemba to Luis Figo. Picking the ball up from around 25 yards out, he shot home one hell of a beauty that left the keeper no chance. Contender for goal of the season already? Raptors 1-3.

Ryan Maddock dropped back from the wing, to defence, to allow him to pick the ball up and create chances, and worked his socks off.

The minute we got the goal, the belief was there that we could get at least a point.

Thomas Tompkins then put a ball through to Caino, who finished it off to grab his brace. Raptors 2-3. There was no way a comeback was on, was there?

The answer was so nearly answered as a corner given to Raptors, saw Jack whip in a beautiful ball, only to find that man 'Figo' who leapt above everyone and with a bullet of a header, smashed the outside of the post. The hatrick wouldve been fitting with his 2nd half performance.

Man of the math went to that man 'Figo' Cain Hamilton Boyle. So unfortunate not to get the hatrick, but showed great professionalism to make the huge change in the way of his second half showing.

Aother week where we deserved something from the game, but came up short. If we can start games how we approach them in the 2nd half, then everyone in the league will have to worry.

Yes the first half wasnt very good, but we take the positive that everyone in that second half, faught with tenacity, passion and drive, into our next match vs PRC.