With the lack of a league fixture Martlesham Raptors accepted our invitation to Gandish Road for a friendly probably expecting a win being from 3 divisions higher.

It wasn’t to be as our fine form continued and we ran out winners on a wet muddy day, the boys putting in a good performance after the Christmas break.

I suppose it could have been billed as the meat eaters of Martlesham verses the eat your Greens from East Bergholt. No prizes for spotting the 10, 000 years BC jokes that follow.

The first half was pretty even more a less a midfield battle with Joe and Smiler winning the duels against a physical side. When Martlesham did threaten Eoin continued his fine season form and was up to the task in defence to snuff out their threat. Up front Alex worked hard being closely marshalled by two defenders giving him little space.

At half time Coaches Newman and Garwood stressed the need to be patient in moving the ball and with a bit more quality and to man up to the physical threat.

It was Joe who broke the deadlock with a finely taken goal after good work from Hazza and James with a fierce drive. Hazza soon made it two racing on from a through ball and the Raptors teeth were pulled.

Any further threats were dealt with by Oli, Taylor and Eoin as Raptors tried to claw themselves back into the game but they were extinct of any ideas, Toby up to the task of a clean sheet to the roar of the home crowd.

Well done to Oli earning man of the match for a solid performance on the right. Thanks also to Hazza & United for helping us with an extra player and a view of what the boys should strive for in the extra quality with their first touch and how to deal with physical attention.

Also get well soon messages to Dylan and George hopefully we see them both next week.