Hammers capitalise on Raiders horror show

Stephen Levy
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A Danny Kon double inspired the Hammers to their sixth league win of the season as they blew the Raiders away at Hadley FC.

David Garbacz's men raced out of the blocks and stormed into a 4-0 lead at half time.

Kon opened the scoring with a brilliant turn and shot into the roof of the net inside the first 10 minutes.

The Raiders were at sixes and sevens with Avidan Last and Alex Gilbert also finding the net.

And had it not been for several brilliant saves from Raiders keeper Dan Cohen, it could have been nearer to double figures.

Raiders improved in the second half as Hendon eased off but there were unable to muster a consolation.

Delighted Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "We were delighted with our performance today. We played with a lot of confidence and carried through the momentum from the previous few weeks.

"For the first 45 minutes I thought we were outstanding and were knocking the ball around for fun. All credit must go to Raiders for fighting to the finish where other teams might well have crumpled under the pressure.

"In the second half we took our foot slightly off the gas although we did still manage to create a number of chances. I thought the Raiders keeper kept the score respectable.

"All through the team we played quality stuff although special mention would go to both our full backs who were tremendous today going forward and Danny Kon and Avidan Last who led the raiders defence a bit of a merry dance.

"Things are going well at the moment although we know that nothing is won in November and one bad defeat can change everything. Overall though it was another three vital points and a very pleasing performance."

Raiders joint-manager Danny Caro said: "Having won our last two games, some of the boys may have believed that we had turned the corner, but Hendon simply blew us away today. They are a very good team. They out-muscled us and outplayed us in midfield and their passing and movement was excellent, although we certainly didn't cover ourselves in glory with some of our defending in the first half when we also struggled to string two passes together and keep the ball.

"We had no answer to them in the first 45. They played some great football and certainly taught us a lesson. That said, we were much better in the second half.

"I think that it would be safe to say that on this performance, whoever finishes above Hendon will win the title. They are an excellent team."