Raiders boss “elated” with retaining Premier Division title

MGBSFL Premier Division
Harmen 2 North London Raiders A 6
Sunday, 1 May, 2016

Beating Harmen 6-2 on Sunday morning, thanks to David Dinkin’s double, along with strikes from Alex Moss, Alex Bloch, Jordan Marks and Jono Rochwerger, the Raiders will now complete a first ever treble for the club, should they beat Hendon in this Sunday’s Peter Morrison Trophy final at Wingate.

He said: “We’re elated to have wrapped up the title. It’s not an easy thing to win and probably even harder to retain, there are some other very good teams in this division so obviously we are overjoyed.

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“Someone told me last week that we are the first team for 40 plus years to do the ‘double-double’ of the Anekstein and league title. so we are very, very proud. The boys for the best part of two years have given their all for the cause and they deserve all the praise that comes their way.”

Believing his side have evolved over the past two years, he said: “Personally, I feel we are a better, more experienced team this year compared to last. That’s led to our amazing consistency this season.

“We knew to retain the title would be very difficult so we made a concerted effort to recruit well and also retain the squad from last year. We did that very well last summer and it meant that whatever side we put out it would be a very strong one. We didn’t want to be reliant on one or two important players but instead rely on the depth of the squad and that’s been so important in helping us secure the title.”

With two trophies in the bag, they now look to this weekend’s Peter Morrison final against Hendon to try and secure what would be a first ever treble for the club – but insists his players aren’t going into the game with any pressure, despite what’s at stake. “We shouldn’t really be in this final but were put through by a technicality, for us it’s a bonus and we’ll just go out and enjoy the occasion,” he says. “Hendon will probably feel a little more pressure as it’s their only chance for silverware this season, but they are a great, experienced side so I’m sure that won’t have much of an impact and we will be set for a big, and exciting game.”

Also believing it will be a close game, he says: “Hendon vs Raiders is always a very close game, there really is little between the two sides. Frustratingly for us we picked up four injuries in the Harmen game so we’ll be down to the bare bones. However, whatever team we put out we expect to compete and push Hendon all the way. There will be so much great attacking quality on show that I hope it will be a classic cup final.”

And as to what it will mean to secure a treble, he adds: “Everyone wants to win titles and cups and to win all three would be great. However, whether we win or lose on Sunday this has been an unbelievable season, one in which we’ve all enjoyed and can be extremely pleased with.”

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