Raiders Nail Hammers ...

Rotherfield Raiders Black 2 - Woodley Hammers 0
Date : January 17th 2009
Team : Liam Peachey, Sam Booker , Will Young, James Back, Guy Thurlow, Alex Harris-Whyte, Rowan Stacey, Louis Walsh, Max Sweetman

Both teams started brightly and it was clear this would be a competitive game and after 5 minutes Sweetman went off after a stern challenge. A slick move saw Walsh's effort just clear the bar. A scrappy battling run from Thurlow ended in agony as his effort slid past the post. The keeper parried from Back and moments later relief was palpable as a fierce shot by Woodley grazed the crossbar.

In the dying moments of the 1st half Walsh set Back free on the left and rounding the goalie teed up Stacey with an empty goal ; 1 nil.

In the second half Stacey’s clever glance nearly scored and three further efforts were denied. Sweetman and Harris Whyte looked lively in midfield and Booker looked steadfast at the back alongside Young who gave one of his best performances showing vision and timing to foil anything that came his way.

Fitness was again a factor as breaks from Stacey, Thurlow and Sweetman all looked likely to provide a second indeed a massive clearance by keeper Peachey saw Sweetman hit the side netting. Relief finally came when Stacey pounced on a half volley kick from Peachey , cutting in from the wing and a deft finish left Hammers shell shocked.

In spite of a composed save denying Stacey his hat-trick, his 2nd half performance earned him the Effort award.