10/11/2025
Rainham 84 1–3 River FC | Sunday 9th November | Rainham Recreation Ground
River FC extended their unbeaten league run to four with a statement victory over previously unbeaten league leaders Rainham 84. 🔵💪
River started on the front foot, creating a host of early chances with only the final touch missing. The breakthrough came thanks to some brilliant wing play from Nathan Jones, making his return from injury. After being brought down in the box, Jones unselfishly handed penalty duties to Lewis Goold-Davies, who calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to put River ahead. ⚽
With momentum building, River continued to dominate and doubled their lead when Lewis Bridges found space on the edge of the box and curled a superb finish into the bottom corner. 🔥
The third came from skipper Ryan Cripps, rising highest at the back post to head home from a set piece — another captain’s goal to strengthen River’s grip on the match. 👊
Rainham pulled one back late on with an 88th-minute consolation, but it was too little, too late. River controlled the game throughout and showed real intent that they’re not just here to make up the numbers. 💥
MOTMs: Nathan Jones & Shane Pay ⭐⭐
Jones was electric down the wing all afternoon, while Pay bossed the midfield with composure and class.
Starting XI: R. Clark, Cazalet-Smith, Wilson, Cripps (C)(1), Goold-Davies (1), Pay, Speirs, T. Clark, Jones, McLaughlin, L. Bridges (1)
Subs: Jenkin, Chester, Green, Fawcett, Homewood
