A Frustrating Day At The Office…

This Sunday saw the Raiders play their first league game of the season after totally dominating all our pre-season friendlies.

Going into this game I don’t think anyone thought we would come away without taking 3 points with us. However, credit where credit is due, we played a very well organised team who are very well coached and managed. They have also been together a very long time.

The Raiders started the game strongly with lots of possession and lots of joy coming down the wings. The goal was a lovely team move with Hugo playing it into George (who pulled away from his marker) who flicked a delightful ball over the defender to play in Tay. The finish was the icing on the cake with a low left foot drive into the far corner. From here I really thought the flood gates would open, but again credit to Stow who decided to sit deeper, play it longer and up their work rate. They gave us no time on the ball and frustrated us massively, akin to a strong Burnley side under Dyche or Palace under Roy!

Second half was much the same. We started very strongly with some lovely team moves but the final ball from us was lacking and nearly always the wrong decision. Stow dug deep, rode their luck and ended up drawing level with a back pass gone wrong 8 mins before the end. It was a HUGE body blow and we never recovered from it. They finished the game without a single shot on target and only 1 off target.

It felt like a loss even though it wasn’t! In true Ian Dowie style we shall be looking for “bounceback ability” from the boys this Sunday when we play them again!

Lastly I did receive a lovely message from their coach today adding we are probably the best side they have ever played.

It does prove the standard of the league has massively improved and even on an off-day we are still a handful for anyone.