Today the U13s got their league season underway with a trip to Hove Park Colts Gold.

The U13s have stepped up to playing 11 a side this year and so there was a little trepidation going in to the match.

The match started with Hove on top, but Raiders kept their discipline and worked incredibly hard to stop any clear chances being created whilst looking really dangerous on the counter attack.

With the game becoming more even as Raiders settled in to the match, Drew managed to break the line after good work in midfield and with the Hove Park keeper playing well out of his goal Drew managed to squeeze the ball to Vinny to tap in to an empty net.

The goal galvianised Raiders and all of a sudden it was one way traffic.

With the Hove Park Keeper continuing to play sweeper keeper outside his box Vinny won the ball in the centre circle and Beckham-esque launched a shot high over the stranded keeper for a truly remarkable goal.

Vinny then completed his first half hattrick prodding home from close range after good work by Lewis which gave rampant Raiders a 3-0 lead at the break.

The second half began like the first with Hove Park determined to get back in the game but struggling to break through a resolute Raiders back line...with Ray behind them commanding his area and intercepting a few times Hove Park looked to get in behind.

Hove Park were then handed a lifeline when they won a penalty after contact in the box. Ray had no chance with the penalty that was placed firmly in the corner.

At 3-1 the next goal was vital and Hove Park continued to probe a jittery Raiders who were still working incredibly hard.

Raiders then broke with Drew who beat the keeper to the ball 30 yards out. Pushed wide Drew steadied himself and calmly stroked the ball home to restore the 3 goal cushion going in to the last 15 and get Drew a goal his performance so richly deserved.

Hove Park did pull one back with a very fortunate deflection that wrong footed Ray but ran out of time to exert any real pressure.

Both teams had goals ruled out in the dieing embers of the half ....Brogan especially unfortunate not to cap a very classy performance from him.

So Raiders finish 4-2 to start the season with a well deserved and hard earned victory.

Vinny of course won man of the match for his hattrick...but this was a real team performance which they should all be very proud of.

Well done Raiders!!