Lane Head Raiders

And that’s a wrap for the 2025/2026 season.

Finished off in a celebration of all their achievements from this past season. A fantastic evening with fabulous people.

A short rest now before pre season begins as we look forward to our second season of 11 a side.

Thank you to everyone that has supported the team throughout this season and from myself and the rest of the Raiders family we wish you all a fantastic summer.

LHR 💙💛⚽️

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Final game of the season for the Raiders, sadly I was unable to attend the whole match, thanks to Neil and Steve for taking the reins and Neil for this weeks match review…

Today we had a local Derby in a league friendly against Lane Head Devils.

The Devils started the game well kicking down the slope, they had 3/4 consecutive corners which we managed to defend and resulted in nothing for them. After that the Raiders started to get into the game more and before half time found ourselves 3 goals up. It started with Haz scoring a good header from a fantastic cross from Ish, then Dareen scored a good solo goal cutting in from the left and curling it around the keeper, the third came from Ish who got down the right wing and unleashed a wonderful shot which found itself in the back of the net. Fair play to the Devils they kept on coming at us and never gave up.

After we addressed a few things at half time the Raiders came out in the second wanting to put things right. We controlled the game and moved the ball better and created some good chances. Then after defending a corner the Raiders broke away and Haz picked the ball up from the halfway line, saw the keeper off his line and chipped him. Although there was many other close calls it was just the 1 goal in the second half finishing 4-0.

It was a great way to finish after a long hard season and a good match between 2 Lane Head Teams. Good luck to Devils for 2026/2027 season. Now time to relax and enjoy a good break and recharge for next season.

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the game:

🏆 Parents player was Haz again, he did well upfront, worked hard and put defenders under pressure. He also scored 2 good goals to continue his good goal scoring form. ⚽️⚽️

🏆 Coaches player was Ollie, he played well in defence, talking and asking for the ball all the time, calm under pressure, overlapping when he could and supported play going forward. 💪🏻👏🏻

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Last league game of the season for the Raiders today held at home against Lantern Villa.

Although we initially seemed to start well it was Lantern that took an early lead capitalising on an error from us. This gave them confidence and they scored again on a fast break shortly after. Being so early on the Raiders had plenty of time to get themselves back in the game, they pressed well and eventually was rewarded a free kick just outside the box, Haz struck it superbly finding its way past everyone into the back of the net to get us a goal back. Lantern still had chances too but our defence held strong along with a fantastic save from Brian to finish the first half 1-2.

Half time we came out with more energy, we were strong in our battles, moved the ball well and pressed into Lanterns half constantly. The hard work payed off as we levelled the game after some action from a corner saw Haz fire it into the net. The game continued with us looking the more dominant side but lantern defended well and one of their breaks saw them take the lead after an unlucky deflection off a save saw the ball sneak into the goal. However the Raiders weren’t done yet as they continued to press for their second equaliser. It arrived in style which started with a great cross in from Charlie into Ish who played it selflessly across to Haz to slot it in the net for his hatrick bringing us level again. As the game played out we continued to press well and more chances were created, the defence dealt with everything coming at us but no more goals either end resulting in a 3-3 draw. Thanks Lantern Villa for the game 👍🏻

It was a fantastic team effort today and made all the better for Oakley and Ollie returning after recent injuries and issues. Great to have you both back 👌🏻

League action finished now for the Raiders with just one remaining league friendly fixture next week to see the season out.

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the game:

🏆 Parents this week was Haz, along with his 3 goals clinically put away he battled hard and made some fantastic runs. Awesome job this week ⚽️⚽️⚽️💪🏻

🏆 Managers we just couldn’t call it this week (yes we wimped out ha ha) and after such a valiant effort from the entire team we decided to give it them all. Treats at training tomorrow, well done Raiders!!

Thanks to our current sponsors:
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A break from league games yesterday as we took on Walmley Colron Blues in a friendly.

The game started relatively even while both teams found their feet. We moved the ball well but Walmley were strong in their battles. The game was at both ends but it was an unlucky tackle in our box to open up the scoring and give Walmley the lead. The first half continued much the same with both teams having chances until Walmley found the back of the net again taking us into half time losing 0-2 .

After the break the Raiders came out with more fight, they battled harder and gave everything. We pressed really well and created chance after chance, then Ish finally opened the scoring for us with a fantastic angled shot across the goal mouth. He was only just starting though as the team managed to feed the ball through to him on two more occasions shortly after which he confidently took on the remaining defence and finished to give us the lead. As the game progressed more chances were created and it was a post deflection from Harry that Ish gambled on to give him his 4th of the match. With confidence high the team kept pushing to the end and it was Harry that calmly slotted away the final goal finishing the game 5-2. Thanks for the game Walmley and good luck in your remaining games of the season.

An awesome come back from the team, great chances created and some great finishing too. A proper team effort moving that ball up the pitch and a massive shoutout to the back line and Brian who dealt with Walmley’s threats fantastically. Special mention to Ish on his 4 goals too, not feeling 100% today but still put his all in and had a great game 🔥💪🏻⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the match

🏆 Parents this week was Gracie, I don’t think there was a battle she didn’t win this week and when helping at the back she was strong, calm and dealt with everything superbly. 💪🏻👏🏻

🏆 Managers this week was Kian, he was focused on the job at hand. He was strong in everything he did and tracked back well. A key element of the fantastic back line we had, he shone at the back. 💪🏻👌🏻

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Away game for the Raiders today in more league action against Northycote FC.

First half saw us move the ball well and create chance after chance but we just couldn’t find the back of the net. Frustrating for viewers and players but we continued to try. Northycote made the most of their limited chances giving them the lead from a fast break then a corner going into half time 2-0.

Halftime gave the Raiders time to reset, they came out energised and looked even more confident. We pressed well keeping the ball in their half, won our battles and was finally rewarded after a strong strike from Haz was saved but Ish ran in to finish the job with quick reactions. Shortly after we made the most of a corner with Ish heading it on for Mason to fire into the back of the net. A third was shot into the box by Mason where Ish met it well and slotted it away to give us the lead. We were looking strong then the tables turned again as one of Northycote players made a quick break and found them a equaliser. The tempo ramped up again and after all our efforts to get us back in the game we started to tire. Northycote capitalised on this and another quick break in the final minutes saw them take the lead and the win.

A rollercoaster of a game! Well done to Northycote on the win.

📢 Shoutout to this week’s players of the game…

🏆 Mason got parents this week, strong in his tackles, lots of hard work, moved the ball well and even bagged himself a goal, a great shift 👌🏻⚽️

🏆 Coaches was Ish, first half he was creating chances, crossing well and working hard up and down the wing. Second half he ran his socks off and looked dangerous on the attack, added another couple of goals to his tally too ⚽️⚽️

Thanks to our current sponsors:
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More league action after the Easter break for the Raiders today as we took on Redhouse Allstars at our home ground.

The game started slow while both teams worked each other out. However a rogue bounce in front of goal gave Redhouse an early lead. This spurred the Raiders on to pick up their game and their attacks were rewarded, first with a penalty clinically finished by Mason and then a free kick beautifully slotted away by Haz. Our defence also held strong closing the first half with a 2-1 lead.

Second half Redhouse came out with renewed energy and we had to dig deep to hold under pressure. Sadly they eventually broke through to level the score, then again to take the lead. We created a few chances of our own and got as close as you could at one point but we couldn’t find the back of the net again. Redhouse also scored again to cement the win finishing 2-4.

Another week of low numbers and still carrying injuries for us but again the kids tried. We couldn’t match the opposition in the second half today but as always we learn and look to next week. Well done Redhouse on the win.

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the match…

🏆 Parents this week was Ish, you could tell he’d missed his football and didn’t stop running and battling today. Fantastic work rate again 👌🏻👌🏻

🏆 Coaches was Rhys, he was tackling everything today!! He got back up and worked hard after every knock. Calm and distributed the ball well too. Awesome shift today 💪🏻💪🏻

Thank you to our current sponsors:
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This past weekend we took on current top of the division Brereton Raptors at home.

Going on their previous results we knew this was going to be a tough game which was only made harder with players missing and some carrying injuries.

The first half saw Raptors with the downhill advantage creating multiple chances and some close calls. However some strong defending and awesome quick reflexes from Brian kept them from finding the back of the net. Some slight changes seemed to work as we began to match them more and started getting the ball further up field. The game became very balanced and although we started creating some close chances of our own the game held at 0-0 at half time.

The second half we saw more of the same with multiple attempts either end but it was an unlucky deflection during a 1v1 that gave Raptors the lead. We kept on battling to the end and came close to equalising a couple of times but sadly we just couldn’t bring it back. Congratulations to Raptors on the win.

With the players out and injuries the rest of the team had to step up today, as always the Raiders did their best and it was clear to see they upped their efforts and thanks to those that moved positions to help where needed. A very close game with just one unlucky goal in it, they should be proud of their achievements so far this year and enjoy the well earned Easter break where we can rest and get us back up to full strength again.

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the game:

🏆 Parents was Curtis and we can’t speak highly enough of him this week. He was just winning everything that came near him and put some awesome effort in at the back for us, he prevented so much threat! Gave 200% this week, amazing!! 💪🏻

🏆 Coaches was Ollie, struggling with an injury this week but wanted to come and play. Every minute he played he gave it his all, showing strength and confidence while maturely managing his pain and let us know when he needed to come off. His passion for his team and football is commendable 👏🏻

Apologies for the recycled photos both!

Thank you to our current sponsors:
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Willmott Dixon construction

This past Sunday we had our quarter final cup fixture against Walsall Wood.

Each round had been a hard fought game to get to this point and today was no different. Made even more challenging by injuries and illness leaving us with just 1 poorly sub on the bench. However this was the hand we were dealt and as always we gave it our all 💪🏻

The first half saw both teams battle it out, we had the downhill advantage but Walsall weren’t going to make it easy for us. We created multiple chances but they kept the defensive efforts high and we were struggling to finish. Then finally Haz opened the scoring for us with a fantastic volley. Just when we thought we could start to settle Walsall Wood came back with an equaliser. Raiders put the pressure on again and Harry capitalised on a poor clearance with a fantastic strike outside the box. However again Walsall Wood struck back shortly after with a fast break. Brian nearly prevented it with some fast reflexes but sadly the unlucky deflection bounced their way to give them a second chance and another equaliser heading into half time.

The second half the Raiders had to dig deep with tiredness settling in after their efforts and now kicking up hill. It started pretty equal with our defensive doing a great job and we still moved the ball up field to create our own chances then after a short period where the ball seemed stuck in our half we conceded to give Walsall the lead for the first time. However the Raiders didn’t give up. The whole team gave everything and we pressed really well, we created chance after chance but nothing seemed to be going our way until finally Ish capitalised on a mistake on their goal kick to drive the ball into their goal. Not for lack of trying we sadly couldn’t get another and our defence and keeper did a fantastic job and held strong to keep it level until the final whistle.

We now had to go through the lottery of penalties. Whatever the outcome we were proud of how the team battled today in tough circumstance’s and as we watched them stood together from the sidelines we just hoped they got the outcome they deserved for their efforts.

Sadly today wasn’t our day, as the brave penalty takers took their turns and Brian who gave it his all tried to save them, we walked away losing 4-2 on penalties. A gutting result after all their amazing efforts, proud of them all.

So as the cup action is now over we look towards our next league fixture on the 22nd against top of the division.

📢 Shoutout to the players of the match:

🏆 Parents this week was Haz, he’d been on it today, battled well, supported others and was dominant in the midfield. Quality finish to open the scoring too 👌🏻⚽️

🏆 Managers was Brian, he’s not long taken up the keeper role to help out and he’s made a fantastic impact already. Was really tough to have to endure penalties so early on in the process after minimal time working with him but he made an awesome effort. 🙌🏻⚽️👍🏻

Thanks to our current sponsors:
SLH general building services
Willmott Dixon construction

Today the Raiders took on another new opposition in the form of AFC Willenhall.

Recent rain meant for tricky conditions but both teams took to the field to battle it out. We started strong, pressing well and creating multiple chances (and hitting woodwork 🫣). AFC were quick on the break too but we were first to find the back of the net with a solid finish from Kian. However AFC responded with another quick break shortly after to bring the game level again. Both teams kept battling but we started to gain the edge and it was Haz and Ish that extended our lead to bring it to 3-1 just before half time.

The second half saw a much more dominant performance from the Raiders. The defence kept a solid line and dealt with the majority of the breaks clinically, Brian also leaped into action when required resulting in us conceding no more. Further up the field it was Ish, Haz and finally, (not for lack of trying and lots of effort) Charlie who extended our lead further with his first goal this season 👏🏻⚽️ the whistle blew with a comfortable 6-1 win extending our winning streak.

Thank you AFC for the game, the atmosphere on and off the pitch was pleasant and it was a fantastic environment to watch the kids enjoy their football today ⚽️👌🏻

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the match:

🏆 Parents this week was Curtis, it was clear to see why. He was dominant in the middle winning the majority of balls and supported all over the field well with strong tackles and good movement, class today 👌🏻💪🏻

🏆 Coaches today was Haz, he covered a few positions but gave good effort in all. He was a solid outlet and created some fantastic space and runs. Let’s not forget his contribution to the goal tally today too ⚽️⚽️👍🏻

Thanks to our current sponsors:
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After another break (weather and half term) the Raiders we’re back in action this week at home against Brewood Junior Colts.

The first half started slow with both teams struggling to get into a Rhythm. A couple of injuries early on saw our subs bench light too and resulted in throwing some players straight into the mix. Both teams had a few chances as the half progressed and Brewood were showing good physicality but we managed to hold them off with good teamwork along with some solid goalkeeping from Brian to keep it level at half time.

The second half saw us up our game, we started winning more battles, looking after the ball and moving it better. After a couple of chances our efforts were finally rewarded as Harry struck one in the back of the net, even the keepers fingers couldn’t stop it. Harry’s first time on the other end of a goal for a while but a tidy reward for his efforts back in outfield today. As play continued we proceeded to look the stronger side and although Brewood had chances it was Kian who extended our lead with a tidy finish out of the reach of the keeper, an awesome birthday present to himself 🥳. We held the 2-0 lead until the final whistle to continue our winning ways of 2026. Thank you Brewood for the game.

A slow start that turned into a solid performance from the whole team today. Well done Raiders!

📢 Shoutout to this weeks players of the match.

🏆 Parents was Harrison today and it’s clear to see why. He’s played a few positions for us since joining but seems to of come to life at the back, dealt with everything that came his way, was calm on the ball and distributed it well too. Quality 💪🏻👌🏻

🏆 Managers was Ish, his efforts just can’t go unnoticed at the moment. His work rate is immense, he just doesn’t stop and puts his all into everything. Helped out all over the field and got the ball where it needed to be. Keep setting the standard 💪🏻🔥

Thanks to our current sponsors:
SLH general building services
Willmott Dixon construction