Raiders joint-boss predicting tough tussle for title-clincher

North London Raiders A joint-manager Jonathan Green believes his side will face a tough challenge in overcoming Harmen this weekend – and secure a win which will see them crowned Premier Division champions.

Needing three points to retain the title and complete the second leg of a potential league and cup treble, Green said: “We’re excited for Sunday and another tough match against Harmen, who are one of the strongest teams in the division on their day.

“Their league position belies the truth strength of their team and it will be a tough test for us. Saying that, we’re confident in our own ability and will approach the game like any other.”
Raiders ran out emphatic 7-2 winners when the sides last met in the league back in September, though Green doesn’t believe that will have an impact on this meeting. “September’s a long time ago and although that was a very good morning for us, I don’t believe it will have any impact on this weekend’s game.

“Harmen are always up for the games against us and we are expecting the same on Sunday. The situation may be something similar to the Chelsea vs Spurs game the following day as we are sure that Harmen will not want us winning the league against them on their home pitch.”

Having to do without Ben Ellis, Liron Mannie and Alex Kaye, while a couple of others are also nursing knocks, one thing he feels his team won’t have to contend with are nerves. He says: “I don’t believe there are any nerves or tension as the boys have plenty of experience in dealing with situations like this. Our last game was also a very tight cup final so the preparation for this game couldn’t have been any better. We’ve put ourselves in a great position of knowing what it will take to win the league over our next four league games, so there is no added pressure for this Sunday.

“The whole team have shown a great ability all season of concentrating on one game at a time. It sounds like the biggest cliché in football, but it has stood us in good stead over the last two years.
“Next Sunday will not be any easier or harder should we win on Sunday. It would obviously be preferable to win the league this weekend, but you get into dangerous territory when you start attributing the league title to a 90 minute game.

“We will try and beat what is a very competitive and strong Harmen team and then worry about everything else after.”

KO on Sunday morning at Hadley, is 10.15am