FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup – 12 January 2026

Claines Lane

The world of football was shocked to the core this week. Not by the Saltmen’s exit from the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup. No, but by the news that Rep[ of Ireland and Barnsley’s very own legend, Mick McCarthy has recorded a song with Linda Martin. It has just been played on Radio Two.

Next they’ll be telling me somebody has made a film about Roy Keane. But that would just be silly talk!

So, any other football related stuff becomes secondary, including Tuesday evening’s game at Claines Lane. Which is good, because I can’t summon up much enthusiasm to write about it. Ravaged by injury, a much changed Spa side put up a commendable performance against a strong Raiders lineup. In fact, all 4 goals were good and it wasn’t a bad game.

There were two noteworthy highlights for me. Reiss Taylor-Randle’s equaliser on the stroke of half time was a thing of beauty. Played in by a crafty ball from an impressive Danny Barnes, Reiss lifted the ball over the Raiders’ keeper.

Spa had chances to take control of the second half but some spirited goalkeeping kept them at bay and an excellent ten minute spell saw Raiders grab their second and third goals and passage to the next round of the cup.

The other highlight for me was the best comedy moment in football in many years when a Raiders player was floored after being struck full in the face by a ball kicked at him by a teammate. The only thing which can beat that is a referee falling over.

The prestigious FTS Man of the Match Award goes to Reiss Taylor-Randle. A great goal from a player enjoying his best game so far the Saltmen.

Next up, Cinderford at Kingys in the league, this afternoon.

See you there.

FTS