JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FC TEAM A 2 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 1
Strikes from Craig Edwards and Dan Cohen condemned the Raiders to their fifth defeat as Mitch Young's claimed their second win of the season in a scrappy affair at Meadow Park.
Edwards put the hosts ahead following a great run and shot from Danny Moss which was parried by Raiders keeper Dan Cohen.
Cohen lashed home a stunning volley in the second half before Ben Ellis pulled one back with a quickly-taken free-kick for Raiders.
The visitors also had a strong penalty shout turned down and an effort from Ben Sheldon ruled out by ref Stuart Ansher.
Delighted FC Team boss Mitch Young told JC Sport: "We were not at our best today but still managed to dominate the game.
"Defensively we were excellent led by Jake Weiner at the back I don't think we gave their two strikers a chance all game.
"We were missing several key players today but the likes of Jules Noti came into midfield and was outstanding winning nearly every tackle.
"We kept our shape at all times and were a real threat every time we attacked. However we keep missing clear-cut chances which if taken would make our lifes a lot easier.
"We should have won by more but at this early stage of the season we are already creating a cushion between the bottom sides and that is really great so we can push forward.
"We definitiely deserved the win. No disrespect to Raiders but they only really threatened from long throws and we defended them superbly. We missed a few one-on-ones that should have been scored and had a couple of other chances including hitting the post from a Noti header.
"We possibly could have had a penalty as well but overall a win is a win but we will be practising finishing this week in training.
"We dropped off slightly in the second half and the game turned a bit scrappy but then I introduced supersub Dan Cohen and Jason Wood and we were back on top scoring a great goal.
"Credit to Raiders who battled hard and really wanted to win but on the day the best team won.
"I feel we are acclimatising to life in the Premier Division. I am very proud of my players in the squad who have shown they can really play at this level.
"We have used all 17 players in teh squad so far and they have all played their part. Hopefully we can continue to pick up some points and leaving greater day light between us and the bottom two teams as the aim is consoloidation and hopefully a goood cup run but you never know.
Raiders joint-manager Jonny Adelman said: "I was delighted with the grit and determination we showed but we struggled to play our passing game.
"No question we deserved something out of the game. The ref failed to give us a penalty for a blatant hand ball when it was 1-0 and then disallowed our last minute equaliser, incorrectly.
"I know the boys have a real determination to get back to winning ways and I was impressed with how they dug in. I felt we were the side more likely to score in the second half, although in fairness the game was lacking in quality from either side.
"We have suffered from so many injuries and absences and it's a testament to the depth of our squad that we're able to be as competitive as we are. I'm sure as our players regain fitness that the results will come. The spirit in the camp is good and once we get our first win we'll kick on."
Danny Caro, the Raiders co-manager, added: "Once again we conceded an early goal which left us chasing the game.
"We're also not getting the rub of the green which makes next week's match against our B team even more important."