Wolfson helps Raiders make their point

The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides creating opportunities, Hakimi struck the post for Redbridge and David Rhodes the bar for Raiders.

Then 10 minutes before half time L’Orange retook the lead. Clever build-up play between Rhodes and Adam Joselyn allowed the latter to play a delightful through ball to Wolfson who nonchalantly lobbed past the keeper from 25 yards.

The 10/11 champions were not going to allow this to bother them and just before half-time they equalised for the second time. Stolerman, whose movement caused problems all afternoon, freed Jack Van Gelder and he slotted home to mass delight for the watching Essex contingent.

Redbridge started much the stronger in the second half and their pressure told when a Ben Sollosi strike gave them the lead for the first time in the match. Raiders did feel that the ball had gone out for a throw-in in the build up to the goal but the referee waved play on and the goal stood.

Raiders, keen not to open the season with defeat, mounted their own comeback and after a delightful through ball from Dinkin, Wolfson calmly composed himself to hold off the challenge of the Redbridge centre back and stroke the ball past the Redbridge keeper with the minimum of fuss.

Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "Over the years we have had a number of high-scoring games with Redbridge and this was another one of those. It was a very closely fought game where the draw was probably the fair result with both teams having chances to win the game.

"We can definitely play better than we did today but it was vitally important not to lose and we go away from the game with the belief that we can and will play better in future weeks."

RJC manager Eilon Kennet told JC Sport: "I'm glad to get this one out of the way. Raiders really know how to get full advantage out of their home pitch.

"You probably have these stats from last season, but I'd love to see how Raiders did away from home against teams they beat at home.

"Despite this, we still should have won this game, hitting the woodwork three times.

"However, we did look rusty, although losing three key players the day before didn't help.

"There's a lot of work still to be done before our next game in two weeks time.

"As for Raiders, they look good going forward and Jamie Wolfson scored a great hat-trick."

Man-of-the-match: Jamie Wolfson (Raiders)