Young forward back among the ranks

Jacob Ranson has revealed his delight at getting a second chance with the London Raiders, after signing up for the 2014/15 National League season.

Former Romford junior Ranson, 19, began last season with Danny Marshall’s Lee Valley-based side, but moved to MK Thunder midway through the campaign in search of more ice time.

He netted against his former teammates during a man of the match display soon after the move and is now hoping to make his mark in gold and blue this winter.

He said: “I’m keen to be back with Raiders. I’ve been supporting them since I was five years old and I’m looking forward to the season.

“I feel I learnt a lot about the league being with Milton Keynes and feel that I proved myself during my time there.”

Player-coach Marshall, having already signed up Frankie Harvey, David Oliver, AJ Smith and Jakub Klima, was more than happy to have former Albany pupil Ranson back in the Raiders ranks.

He said: “When he left last year I had quite a big squad. It was nothing to do with his ability, more his age and waiting for an opportunity.

“As it turned out, that opportunity came a week or so after he left but going to Milton Keynes was good for him. He got a fair bit of ice time.

“I’m glad to get him back and hope he can be a key player for us. He is capable of making a name for himself. He’s a Romford boy and hopefully he can have a good season for us.”

Raiders will begin the new season with a home match against newly named Cardiff Fire on September 6, but will be without Marshall and Harvey due to suspension.

Meetings with Bracknell, Solent and Oxford follow before the first big test against Invicta and Chelmsford on the first weekend of October.

Marshall added: “We all know Cardiff don’t usually travel too well but they will be keen at the start of the season and it will be awkward with myself and Frankie suspended.

“But we will have enough talent and experience on the team to start with a win. Looking at the fixtures, it’s not a bad start for us, but we can’t take any teams lightly.”