PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C 2 L'EQUIPE 1
It's what happens on the pitch that makes all the difference is the lesson to be taken away from Sunday's game at the Ark.
NLR C secured a third round spot and a trip to Premier Division Faithfold A with a typical Raiders performance - winning by the odd goal rather than the rout that it easily could have been, despite missing several players and with a new central midfield pairing.
With kick-off brought forward in case of extra-time, there were two clear styles of football on display, Raiders' slick quick passing football and L'Equipe's "knock it long and pump it into the box at any opportunity," according to NLR boss Zack Gothelf.
Raiders took the lead 20 minutes into the game, fantastic build-up play saw Dan Tan break down the right and his excellent low cross was turned in by Oli Telvi.
Raiders then took their foot off the gas and L'Equipe capitalised, with James Mandell hauling them level five minutes later.
Raiders saw much of the ball and continued to create, but they couldn't find the back of the net. The winner did come though and in some style. A Raiders free-kick 25 yards out on the right of centre as you look at the goal. Ufland took it and put it into the top left corner of the net, over L'Equipe's giant keeper and in off the bar - think Ronaldinho v Seaman in 2002 and you're not far off - well worth the entrance fee.
Raiders should have scored more late on - a top save from the L'Equipe keeper twice denied Scott Waissel and Tan saw a 30-yard effort just not dip quite enough.
Raiders boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "I don't normally say much but that win was particularly pleasing for me on Sunday. L'Equipe's management was particularly difficult during the week, seemingly incapable of doing the sensible thing and having read their post-match comments their management must be delusional. Whilst the baby was throwing its toys out the pram, this "little child" focusing on what it does best, winning matches."
L'Equipe boss Nick Stern told JC Sport: "I'm very, very disappointed with the result but certainly not the effort of the team. We dominated from the first minute against a team we should have beaten.
"We had multiple chances but for poor finishing, good keeping and poor execution of the final ball we would have comfortably won.
"However no excuses, Raiders took their chances better than us and we look forward to finally beating them in the league in two weeks time."
Responding to Gothelf's analysis of the game, Stern added: "Firstly, his comment that Raiders were on top were ridiculous, and saying that we were difficult during the week is a personal attack on me and I will not stand for it. To be honest it’s funny how Zack was quiet the whole week until his chairman leaves him too it, and then he decided to pop up with some comments that are just lies. To be honest I am surprised he had time to make these comments when clearly too busy. Calling us a baby is a personal attack and one we will not stand for.
"I therefore personally challenge Raiders C Team management - not Rob Richman who I have a lot of time and respect for - and put their money where their mouth is (for charity of course) and have a wager that we will beat them in two weeks in the league. This will be the first of its kind but all for a charity of the winner choice. If we do £5 per man for the first 11 that will be £55 pound to a charity by the losers.
"Enough is enough with this back and forth and it should be settled once and for all on the pitch, it’s a shame that Zack can never make it onto the pitch himself."
