Raiders reach their first final in four years

Published on 22nd March 2007 in Sport

Viking Raiders 5

Total Power Solutions 1

Viking Raiders reached their first cup final for four years with a comfortable victory against TPS of Barnby Dun in Saturday's Goole and Thorne Cup semi final.

In a game played in gale-force winds, it was never going to be a classic, but Raiders adapted to the conditions much better than TPS.

They went ahead after ten minutes when hesitation between defender and goalkeeper allowed Chris Lattimore in to steal in and score from close range.

Shortly before half-time, Raiders doubled their lead, Atkinson's pass out of defence found Ashley Lattimore, and his low, driven cross was met by the arriving Matt Walker, who diverted the ball past the keeper.

Early in the second half Raiders made the game safe with the best goal of the match, Chris Lattimore receiving a long throw-in with his back to goal. He managed to turn and fire a shot into the bottom corner, giving the keeper no chance.

TPS did pull a goal back after a long through ball that caught the wind, deceiving Richardson as he advanced, and it allowed the striker an easy finish.

Raiders briefly looked like making things difficult for themselves when they were reduced to ten men following a red card for dissent, but soon restored their three-goal advantage. James Chafer beat the offside trap from Lee Gelder's pass and he lobbed the onrushing keeper with a cool finish.

In the closing stages the hosts were awarded a penalty for handball after Chris Lattimore had rounded the keeper. Adam Sharp stepped up and lashed in the fifth and final goal of the day.

Man of the Match was awarded to Tom Bryan for a fine midfield display, and Raiders will play Thorne Town in the final, although the date and venue is not yet known.

The club would like to thank its latest sponsor, Geoff Rankin of Britannia Food Ingredients Ltd.