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Millers still unbeaten after Raja rocks Reigate

Emit Raja’s fourth goal of the season gave Sanderstead 1st XI the edge over Reigate Priory and their ninth straight victory in South League Surrey Division Two on Saturday 28 November.  His powerful drag flick in the first half put the result beyond the reach of visitors Reigate.  The left-back made as useful a contribution in defence as in attack, executing timely tackles and distributing effectively, to help his team to a 2-1 win.

Denzil Dolley scored the Millers’ first goal, collecting an aerial pass from Mark Bryan and cutting into the circle before sending a well-judged lofted shot over the advancing goalkeeper.  This made amends for two earlier near misses, when he shot wide of each post.

Though Reigate had their share of possession in the opening exchanges, they were foiled by smart defending by their hosts.  Meanwhile the Millers doubled their advantage as Raja capitalised at a short corner won by winger John Devaney.

Sanderstead’s defence restored its reputation for meanness in this match, after conceding four goals in the previous outing.  Raja had the best game of the rearguard, thwarting his right-wing opponent and linking well with the players around him.  The Millers solidity was all the more impressive given that regular sweeper Mark Bryan was pushed up to the play-making role at the heart of midfield, replacing the absent Martyn Avery.

Before the half-time break, a momentary lapse in concentration from Sanderstead afforded Reigate a glimpse of goal, and their striker swept home from the middle of ‘D’ past a helpless Dan Pacitti.

The second half had precious few moments to recommend it to the neutral, as both sides tightened up their defences and allowed very little into the danger area.  Pacitti was twice called into action, fielding Reigate shots and clearing to safety.

“It was good to see our defence so well organised and back to its usual best this week,” said coach Dolley.  “We had to make a couple of personnel changes but the team coped with these, not only demonstrating the quality of our squad but also the flexibility of the players.”

Sanderstead’s 2s drew 1-1 against Barnes, with the goal coming courtesy of Richard Bruce, and the 3rd team beat their counterparts from Old Cranleighans 3-1.  The 4th team were less fortunate, succumbing to Goan 8-0