Raiders moved into second place in the league after securing a dramatic 2–1 injury-time victory against playoff hopefuls Cirencester Town on a wet and windy afternoon in Cirencester.

Goals from Adam Taylor and Cam Monteith sealed all three points, extending Raiders’ impressive run to nine straight wins.

First Half

Raiders started strongly against a side fighting for a playoff spot. The opening 20 minutes saw both teams battling to gain control in difficult conditions.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. A fine run from Bailey Fuller resulted in a dangerous cross that was met by Adam Taylor, who finished from close range to give Raiders a deserved lead.

Raiders looked in command and thought they had doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Jordan Stoddart headed home from a cross. However, the goal was ruled out for an apparent push in the box — a decision that seemed unclear to everyone except the referee.

Second Half

Raiders began the second half brightly, creating two excellent chances in the 51st and 56th minutes, both narrowly missing the target.

Cirencester equalised in the 61st minute when a Jack Horrell free kick caused confusion in the box and fell to George Peare, who lashed the ball home.

The game then turned fiery.

In the 70th minute, Jake Donnelly was sent off for Raiders after receiving a second yellow card for dissent. The dismissal came moments after he appeared to be taken out in the air by a Cirencester player, with the referee waving play on.

Raiders’ resilience was tested further in the 83rd minute when a thunderous strike forced Charlie Emery into a stunning save to keep the scores level.

With tensions rising, Raiders were reduced to nine men in the 88th minute when captain Jordan Murphy was sin-binned for dissent.

Cirencester were then reduced to 10 men themselves in the 95th minute when Turley received a second yellow card.

Injury-Time Drama

Just when the game looked destined to slip away, Raiders were awarded a free kick in the 97th minute. The ball was flicked into the net by Cam Monteith, sparking incredible scenes as Raiders snatched victory at the death.

It was a well-deserved win against strong opposition who made life extremely difficult, but Raiders once again showed character and determination to find a way — even with nine men.

Manager Jordan Lewis was full of praise for his side after the match, applauding their resilience and ability to grind out results in tough circumstances.

Man of the Match: Jordan Stoddart