Ascension : Ascension Island Football
Submitted by The Islander (Mario Anthony) 01.08.2013 (Article Archived on 15.08.2013)

Raiders 9 vs 0 Two Boats Rowdies

Raiders thump 9 man Rowdies to go into their final game needing one point to win the title.

Rowdies started the game with 10 men, missing the likes of Colin Duncan and Chris George and it didn’t take long for Raiders to take advantage when a penalty was awarded against Johnny Stroud for handling the ball inside the area. GOAL. Shonray stepped up and calmly placed the ball pass Bluey. 15 minutes into the match and Raiders were camped in the Rowdies half, piling on the pressure. Shonray came close again when a clever first touch set him up for a shot on the turn just inside the 18 yard box but Bluey was equal to it diving to the bottom corner to keep the ball out. Tyler was next to have a try, when he unleashed a shot from inside the area Bluey again made the save but it came back to Tyler who this time lashed the ball into the side netting. Raiders were still lining up to score, this time Peaches had a shot rattle the post before Tyler sent a trademark cross into the box for Consey to volley but Bluey made a reaction save from point blank range. Rowdies did get a rare break from defending when Dook battled his way into the box and managed to get a shot away that had Bagley beaten but it smashed of the near post and out to safety. GOAL. Bluey appeared to be carrying an injury and Dewy was quick to take advantage when a quick turn on the edge of the penalty area allowed him to beat Bluey. Before the restart Bluey was taken off and replaced in goal by Stroud bringing Rowdies down to 9 men. GOAL. Dewy put Stroud to the test within minutes as a corner to the back post led to a scramble in the area before the ball found Dewy near the penalty spot and he fired low into the goal. From the restart to the half time whistle Stroud was kept very busy but was equal to everything Raiders could fire at him. Captain Smokey broke forward showing he’s more than just a tough tackler with skilful step overs allowing him to create space before playing Shonray in on goal, he beat the offside trap but Stroud saved his effort with an out stretched foot. Mario Ben then had a free kick tipped over the bar before Shonray had another shot saved after he had beaten Melvyn in the box. Dewy had the last effort of the match when he displayed his skills to burst into the area and somehow his cross-come-shot flashed across goal and bounced out for a goal kick.

Rowdies started the second half in better shape than the first when Dook stole in behind the defence, Bagley came off his line to try and make the block, Dook managed to dink the ball over Bagley’s head but the ball landed onto the roof of the net. Early on in the second half Stroud continued to pull off saves, perhaps Rowdies have found their next keeper should Bluey ever hang up his gloves. Despite Raiders still dominating possession Rowdies were creating more chances than they did in the first half. One opportunity saw Shoe in on goal but his son Tyler turned on the after burners to allow him to catch his dad and clear the ball before the shot was fired. Shoe had another chance when he shrugged off Philly to get to the ball, Bagley saved his shot that was heading into the bottom corner but his save saw the ball looping over his head but with the reactions of a cat Bagley palmed the ball clear whilst still on the ground. Then Raiders killed the game of with 6 goals in quick succession. GOAL. A delicate chip from Consey from inside the 18 yard box saw him float the ball over defenders and keeper into the far corner. GOAL. Another inch perfect Tyler cross came to an unmarked Ben who headed in to the top corner. GOAL. Consey was next to float in a cross, this time Shonray was on the end to head in. GOAL. Consey got his second when he fired in on the turn from the edge of the 18 yard box. GOAL. Shonray scored his hat trick when quick feet allowed him blast into the net. GOAL. Tyler whipped around two defenders and fired low at goal, the shot came of the retreating Callum and into the net, to round of another stunning personal performance and career on Ascension for the young winger that has seen him won 2 District Titles, Young Player of the season and possibly a League Title this season, all in only 3 seasons. We understand from various sources that Raiders have received an offer from Axis on St Helena that they have accepted. We will no doubt see him on the sports pages in St Helena soon!