A brilliant second half performance saw Raiders cruise to a welcomed win against a Lyndey Town side that had delivered an energetic performance in the first half.

Raiders Line Up: Charlie Emery, Nathaniel Hewitt, Sam Whitton, Arthur Squire, Jordan Stoddart, Jake Donnelly, Bailey Fuller, Cam Monteith, Prince Henry, Jordan Murphy (C), Emmanuel Olaloko
Subs: George Haldey, Adam Taylor, Lincoln Hunt, Oscar Hanbury, Taylor Eades

First Half

The game got off to a quick start, Raiders’ Prince Henry had the first chance of the afternoon, heading wide of the goal.

As the half progressed it was Lydney who looked the more likely to score, creating many chances. The Lyndey left winger caused problems with his pace. It was no surprise when Lyndey took an early lead, a cross found Morgan Ewing in the centre of the box, he hit home a shot that Charlie Emery had no chance of saving.

First team coach Tom Dale said:"We didn't take out early chances and goals change games. They went up the other end scored, which led to another few chance for Lydney."

Raiders began to push forward, Prince finding himself with a golden opportunity, chipping the keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line. Lydney still created chances, forcing Charlie to make his customary brilliant save, with the ball rebounded to the Lyndey attacker who fluffed his shot past the post.

As the half neared a conclusion Raiders started to control the game and create chances, a Jake Donnelly trademark strong header in the box was collected by the keeper. On the stroke of half time Raiders got their reward, the Lydney defence were unable to clear the ball, which fell to Prince, who equalised for Raiders.

Second Half

Whatever manager, Jordan Lewis, said at half time transformed the Raiders players. They contained Lydney and played some wonderful one touch football and looked dangerous going forward. It was not long before Raiders made it two one after Bailey Fuller cut the ball back to Jordan Murphy, whose shot was deflected into goal.

Raiders were now in complete control and it was soon to be three one when Manny Olaloko delivered a brilliant solo effort, passing several defenders before shooting into the corner. Manny’s goal was something special to see.

Raiders team performance was so dominate in the second half that Lydney did not have a shot on target. Raiders could have scored more, George Handley, who has made an impressive step up from the under 18’s to the first team, brought energy to the game when he came off the bench and was unlucky not to add to the score. Sam Whitton was also impressive advancing forward from his fullback position creating scoring chances.

The second half all round team performance, both attacking and defending, was brilliant. Special mention should be given to George Handley and Oscar Hanbury who joined the game from the bench. The two under 18’s are making their presence known in the team. Raiders are unbeaten in 2026 and with all the teams above, apart from Droitwich Spa, winning this was an important 3 points. Raiders remain sixth, one point behind Cirencester with two games in hand.

Dale continued: "January was always going to be really important for us, with a lot of tough games. We're currently unbeaten but we have lads coming back from injury that's really helped and the addition of the U18's have been good."

Next Games

Saturday 24th January 2026
HPL
Longlevens AFC, DOADC Claines Lane WR3 7SS
Kick off 3:00pm

Saturday 31st January 2026
HPL
Westfields, DOADC Claines Lane WR3 7SS
Kick off 3:00pm