The Raiders put in a valiant performance, but were unable to match it against an overpowered Epsom reserves side that dropped a handful of players from its seniors into the team for game.
Facing a stacked opposition and a difficult challenge from the get-go, the Raiders started off well. Epsom controlled possession early, but Moama Echuca’s defence held firm and it created a number of opportunities going forward on the counter attack.
But the home side’s pressure paid off and it found a breakthrough 15 minutes in, albeit thanks to a heavy dose of luck.
Epsom’s Sahkapru Htoo blasted a strike goalward that took a hefty deflection off a Raiders’ defender, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as the ball crept over the line.
Unfortunately for the Raiders it was a goal that opened the floodgates, with Epsom scoring four more times to lead 5-0 at the break.
Some tactical changes in the second half helped Moama Echuca shore things up down back, but Epsom still managed to add three more goals to seal an 8-0 win.
Austin Linahan was stellar for the Raiders all game, putting in a great performance at left-back that earned him the player-of-the-match prize.
Going forward, James Mawson and Samuel Wanesiofa both looked dangerous for Moama Echuca. The pair got in behind the Epsom defence on multiple occasions and had some great chances on goal, but just couldn’t quite find the back of the net.
Raiders goalkeeper Angus Mawson made some splendid saves under a tonne of pressure from Epsom’s attack, while Pat Hicks also did a great job marshalling the Raiders’ defence in the second half, making a number of key challenges as well.
Moama Echuca will return to action this weekend when it hits the road to take on Shepparton United’s reserves in another League Cup match-up on Sunday.
