Raiders mark return with narrow victory
 

PHC Raiders celebrated their return to the Commercial top flight with a hard fought 2-1 home win over Lobster Pot at Southampton Oval as the Saturday league kicked off its season on the weekend.
Raiders, last season’s Commercial B Division champions, got their campaign off to a flying start thanks to goals either side of the interval from Stephen (Turtle) Trott and super sub Darren Francis.
Saleem Mukuddem, better renowned for his exploits with the cricket bat, scored Pot’s consolation goal five minutes from time.
After both teams struggled to shake off the accumulated summer rust in the early stages, Raiders, sporting several new faces, forged ahead when Trott’s long range drive found its mark at the near post in the tenth minute.
Raiders then squandered a golden opportunity to increase their lead when skipper Chris (Butch) Furbert failed to convert from the penalty spot early in the second half. Veteran striker Sammy (Snake) Swan was also denied when his searing drive crashed against the woodwork.
However, Francis made no mistake from close range in the 70th minute to provide Raiders with a comfortable two-goal cushion heading down the stretch.
On several occasions though, Pot were unfortunate not to have capitalised, thwarted either by the post or the outstanding saves of Raiders’ custodian Gordon Anglin.
Mukuddem, with his penetrating runs from midfield, and Dave Allison, proved to be a constant threat to the Raiders defence, well marshalled by the quartet of Allan Fray, Ronald Simons, Dennis Wainwright and Furbert.
The South African national, who eclipsed Charlie Marshall’s 23-year-old colts’ Cup Match record last July, finally received reward for his relentless work in the 85th minute. But by then, the damage had long been done as Raiders held on for the win.
Elsewhere in the A Division, champions Robin Hood and MR Onions battled to a scoreless draw at BAA Field while a lone Philando Hill strike earned BAA Wanderers a 1-0 win over St.George’s All Stars in the second match of a double-header at BAA Field.
At St.John’s Road, Tuff Dogs outscored Key West Rangers 4-3 in a highly entertaining contest. Carlos Lopes netted twice while Deuntay Darrell and Quinton Burgess contributed sole tallies for Tuff Dogs. Earl Richarsdon, player/coach Ricky Mallory and Craig Critchlow replied for Key West.
The match between North Village Rams and division new boys Devonshire All-Stars was postponed due to Shelly Bay Field being unprepared.