Ric Blank believes his Oakwood team deserved maximum points as they became the first team to stop Raiders from winning in the league this season, and they were only 20 seconds away from what would've been a sensational win but for a stoppage-time strike from super-sub Nyv Bogaire.
January 25, 2016 15:35MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 2 OAKWOOD A 2
Ric Blank believes his Oakwood team deserved maximum points as they became the first team to stop Raiders from winning in the league this season, and they were only 20 seconds away from what would've been a sensational win but for a stoppage-time strike from super-sub Nyv Bogaire.
A deadly double from Dave Woolman looked to have given Oakwood the points before Raiders, whose other goal came via the in-form Ricky Engleman mounted one final and decisive attack, with Bogaire finding a way past the brilliant Jonny Blain to break Oakwood hearts.
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "I thought it was a tremendous game, played in great spirit. No nonsense between the players - just respect. We play hard but fair and Raiders are the same. I'd love every game in this league to be like that.
"I thought it was refereed very well again by Martin Lavender. Martin enjoys the games and you can tell. I did think five minutes of injury time in the second half was too much but such is life.
"I am immensely proud of my boys for their performance. We were the better team over the ninety and I think anyone who was there will realise what a proposition we have become.
"Raiders are a great side but at 2-1 we should have put the game to bed and the boys know that. I'm convinced had we been able to keep Guy Helman on the pitch we'd have wrapped up the three points. Unfortunately he came off injured after an hour.
"Our challenge is to hit those heights every single game. That's what Raiders have done now for a couple of years and Hendon before them. We'll do it I'm sure. Despite the late goal this felt like a turning point."
"I am immensely proud of my boys for their performance. We were the better team over the 90 and I think anyone who was there will realise what a proposition we have become."
Raiders boss Rob Richman was full of praise for Oakwood and told JC Sport: "Firstly I must say this was a really superb game of football; Oakwood have strengthened from last year and they played with great confidence and ability, particularly in the first half.
"For our part, we were very slow to get going and our first half was not up to the levels we have prided ourselves on throughout this season.
"We came back into the game in the second half and were disappointed to concede a second when we felt their was a strong case of offside.
"However, we kept on going and despite some heroics by Blain in the Oakwood goal we finally managed to grab the equaliser through super-sub Bogaire with 20 second remaining.
"It's an important point for us as it maintains our unbeaten run.
"Full credit to Oakwood they are as good a side as we have faced this season and I have no doubt they’ll be challenging all the way in all competitions this season.
"We'll stay focused on our next game this coming weekend and try to better the performance and result."
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