The first two games of the season taught us a couple of lessons - against CW Dynamoes I think the size of the pitch came as an eye opener as we got caught on the break twice and our defence suddenly realised they had a long way to chase the opposition forwards once they had got clear. We played well though and didn't deserve the 3-1 defeat.

Then came Bideford away!
The journey up there took longer than the game and to say we were taught a lesson would put it mildly. 9-0 and both Robbie and Will had good halves in goal.
None of the heads dropped and we kept trying to the end, despite the result the boys did us proud.

It wasn't that we were completely off form but Bideford were that good. Still proper dressing rooms, coffee supplied during the game and chips in the clubhouse afterwards softened the blow.

At least we managed to score in the fun game on the astroturf afterwards, mind you that was thanks to their coach playing for us.

Onwards and upwards.....

Samuel Burhop scored twice as the Raiders fought back superbly from two goals down to grab a deserved draw against Brixington United

In a great game played in an excellent spirit the visitors went ahead midway through the first half.. Some good passing and decisive attacks from the Raiders failed to earn an equaliser before half time and shortly after the break they found themselves going further behind as the boys allowed the United forwards too much time and space in the box.

Both teams continued to play good football and after a superb Will Bond save in the Raiders goal Samuel Burhop eventually broke clear of the United defence to pull one back for the Raiders with a cool finish.

With Robbie Hallett combining well with CJ Abbot down the left and Lewis Rowden working hard with Henry Summerhayes and Freddie Squire, on the right, the equaliser looked more and more likely. Eventually Burhop grabbed the deserved equalizer ending a good passing move with a mazy run into the box before flicking a bobbling ball into the net.

Man of the match Kieran (smithy) Phillips, in defence, alongside Noah Raffell and Eddie Rudolph was outstanding throughout the game.