Colaton Raleigh 3, Halwill 2 Seven weeks ago Colaton Raleigh were in the Division 2 drop zone, one place off the bottom, writes Ken Woodsford.

A fine run of form, including four away wins, coinciding with the firmer pitches, has seen Raleigh gain 24 points from their last eleven fixtures, and now have a good chance of a top five finish!

For this game with Halwill Raleigh boss Riki Pitter had only twelve players available, and, with no goalkeeper on duty, volunteered himself to be stand-in glovesman.

He was soon picking the ball out of the net, as Halwill settled quickly and scored after just five minutes, when the Raleigh defence failed to defend a corner.

A spell of pressure from the home team created several chances, before Mark Pavey headed in at the far post to equalise 1-1.

The experienced visitors team were coping better with the blustery conditions.

It was no surprise when they regained their lead just before half time, when Raleigh failed to clear a cross from the left, leaving a simple tap in from three yards.

With the second period only just underway, keeper Pitter injured his ankle and was forced to limp off, with Tony Cox taking over the gloves, and 16-year-old substitute Zak Harwood coming on left midfield.

Jake Boyland took on two defenders, before setting up Parr to head into the roof of the net on sixty three minutes, 2-2.

Raleigh grabbed the winner when Mark Tett drove in a hard low cross, and with Brett Newbery waiting to pounce, a Halwill defender trying to intercept, only succeeded in slicing the ball into his own net 3-2.

The Man of the Match accolade was shared between Jake Boyland, and Dan Corrick who were both outstanding.