Raptors Fall Short

     The Raptors hopes of promotion into Division 1 were dashed on the last day of the season, when a gallant Raptors side drew with the premiers the Pontian Eagles. A big father's day crowd was on hand to witness the tight struggle between the rivals which ended in a 1-1 draw, a result which saw the Raptors tumble out of the top two and finish the season in fourth place.
      The hosts fielding close to their best side for the season were put on the back foot by the visitors as a determined Raptors outfit took the lead on ten minutes through a sublime finish by leading goalscorer Jamie Matern. The finish by Jamie more than matched the build up work by the team as they worked the ball from defence before Jamie volleyed home from the edge of the area. Celebrations were short lived however as the home side got themselves level shortly after when a cross was deflected into his own goal by Michael Margaritis. Michael, who coach Pezos had handed the task of keeping Theo Anastasiou quiet for the day, was exceptional throughout the match and close to best on ground.
       The Raptor's best scoring chances for the half came from Zan Papacharissiou, whose shot from long range whistled just over the cross bar as to did a free-kick from James Margaritis. In another chance Aki Mihalopoulos was denied by George Haralambakis as he was ready to shoot. However, the turning point in the game arrived just before the end of the first stanza, when midfielder Zan was shown his second yellow card for an innocent but late tackle on his Pontian opponent.
      The Raptors who had looked the better side in the first half, had to rely on counter attacking football as they rarely threatened the Pontian goal in the second stanza. To the defence's credit the Eagles too had no clear chances on goal, as the second half ended in a stalemate. Contrasting emotions were visible amongst the two sets of players as the Raptors boys were left to reflect on what could have been.

Final Score
Pontian Eagles 1
ISC Raptors 1 (Jamie Matern)

     The Raptors reserves side lost 2-1 for the second time this season to the Pontians. In doing so it gave caretaker coach Bill Cagialis his first taste of defeat in five games. Despite taking an early lead through an Ang Pezos penalty, the boys were overrun by their counterparts. The Raptors got on the board early in the first half when striker James Byford was brought down inside the Pontian penalty area. Ang stepped up without hesitation and converted from the spot to give the Raptors the lead and himself an unassailable lead in the Raptors golden boot.
      Despite their best efforts the Raptors boys who had been on a four game winning streak, lost to their rivals and ended the season mid-table after having spent most the year in the bottom two. With the late season turn around in form, the team has much to look forward to in 2008.

Final Score
Pontian Eagles 2
ISC Raptors 1 (Ang Pezos)