Sport
Dons have a spring back in their step
Jamie Nagioff insists Mill Hill Dons are back to their best after they came from a goal down to beat North London Raiders.
December 3, 2018 12:17
Jamie Nagioff insists Mill Hill Dons are back to their best after they came from a goal down to beat North London Raiders.
December 3, 2018 12:17It was a game where two sides were determined to play football the 'right way'. But, the Dons intensity in the press made the difference as they made it very difficult for Raiders to play out from the back.
The Dons started sharply, with their tempo both in and out of possession allowing them to create quick chances, hitting the bar twice early on. But, it was Raiders who took the lead from the penalty spot via Michael Field.
The Dons replied five minutes from the break with a well-worked free kick on the edge of the box. Zach Cohen's strike ricocheted off the bar and in off the Raiders keeper.
And, after a flurry of missed chances for the boys from Mill Hill, Sam Stead put the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time - reacting quickest in the box to tap home from close-range.
The second half followed a similar pattern with the Dons dominating proceedings, and they were rewarded for their efforts by an outstanding long range goal from Isaac Virchis. He picked up the ball 35 yards from goal and let fly into the top corner, giving the 'keeper no chance.
There could easily have been more goals for the Dons, while Sam Singer was largely untroubled at the other end.
Mill Hill Dons assistant-manager Jamie Nagioff told JC Sport: "I'm absolutely delighted with the boys' attitude today, and the intensity with which we played.
"It's no secret that we have massively under-performed in several games this season, so it's a fantastic feeling to be playing much better now and we're finally on a good run of form.
"Credit to Raiders, who looked to play some really nice passing football from the back today, but we just had the bit between our teeth and we didn't give them space to move.
"Yet again, our game could have been spoiled by some questionable refereeing decisions today. If I'm being honest, neither team's first goal should probably have stood, but thankfully we put enough in today to overcome these issues.
"There is a real positive atmosphere among the side again now and we are already looking forward to next week."
Raiders boss James Cartmell reflected on "a rather disappointing and flat performance". He told JC Sport: Our passing was particularly poor, and we created few chances, though were fortunate to go ahead.
"However, we contrived to give up two goals before half-time as we lost our focus. We never really threatened in the second half and Mill Hill eventually grabbed a third from another mistake.
"There were some positives, with goalkeeper Brian Rubenstein, on his return, making a number of good saves while Rob Baker also played well following injury. Michael and Steven Field also looked dangerous up front, despite getting little service."
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