There was a lively start to the match with a great clearance from Harry, followed by a good shot at the other end from Sam. Both sides had chances with Ryan making a safe save and Blake and Ellis combining well in defence. The game was very even with plenty of midfield action and shots at both ends. Dylan put in a lovely cross which was well kept in by Sam and shot just wide. The Harriers put together some good attacking moves resulting in the opening goal from a great individual run. The Risers weren’t disheartened and continued to play well with Hayden and Noah passing well and Noah showing huge determination on a great run. After a corner to the Harriers, the ball was quickly at the other end and Gideon equalised after some great play from Harry. The opposition were just as keen to keep going and a strong attack led to an immediate reply, the third goal of the match. The last few minutes before half time saw a good shot from Sam and a corner from the Harriers, well defended by Hayden and Blake.

The second half began with Blake replacing Ryan in goal and Ryan playing in defence. The game was still very even with some great, persistent attacking from Fin and Blake showing safe hands in goal. Despite being behind the Risers showed great spirit, never giving up and pressurising the Harriers goal continuously. Ashley showed great energy across the pitch and Theo put in great forward passes from midfield. Still end to end, Ryan cleared well and put in a shot just over, minutes later. Harry continued to show maximum effort all over the pitch, earning his Man of the Match award. The last few minutes were full of pressure from the Risers, but the goal just wouldn’t come. A hard game for our first league match but a great team performance.

Jan