MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FC TEAM A 1 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 4

League titles are won by gutsy performance like that of defending champions North London Raiders.

A deadly double from Oscar Wagner helped Raiders open an eight-point gap at the top of the table as they beat FC Team for the second time in a week.

David Dinkin and Nyv Bogaire sealed the win.

Having lost in the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup on 3G last Sunday, FC Team, boosted by the presence of striker Richard Salmon, were determined to put in a strong performance at Old Camdenians.

After an encouraging start they found ourselves 2-0 down after 30 minutes as a result of some sloppy defending against a ruthless Raiders team.

The home side rallied towards the end of the half and they maintained their momentum at the start of the second half. Salmon halved the deficit after 50 minutes and FC Team started to put the pressure on, hitting the woodwork and they were denied a second goal by the brilliance of NLR keeper Jake Doffman, who according to FC Team boss Ben Gilbey "made 2 of the best saves I have seen all season".

Raiders weathered the storm and then scored the all-important next goal from a throw-in before adding a fourth. The game finished 4-1 Raiders, but Gilbey believes "it was very close to being another story, 4-1 was a harsh reflection on the game".

Delighted NLR boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "We remain unbeaten as we enter March and the squad deserve a lot of credit for that.

"There is still a long way to go and we know we will have to perform in all our remaining games if the hard work of the last 6 months is to be rewarded.

"Today wasn't pretty, the pitch as expected was not conducive to playing football. We did what we had to do, weathered a little storm at 2-1 just after half-time and then scored a couple of good goals to make it comfortable.

"Given we were missing, Rhodes, Stock, Joselyn, Ellis, Kaye, Mannie, Pistol and Ben Joseph, we'll take the much-needed three points and move on to the next game where hopefully we'll have a few players back and fit."

FC Team manager Ben Gilbey told JC Sport: "Sunday was a game that has summed up our whole season really, playing well and looking like a strong side, but being let down by lapses in concentration and silly mistakes.

"We go into the rest of the season just trying to get as many points as we can and will then go again next year."