READFIELD – The running time was not running fast enough as far as the Oak Hill boys’ soccer team was concerned.

After scoring the early goal Monday, the Raiders still had over 70 minutes to kill to preserve that lead against a formidable Maranacook squad. Ultimately, the Black Bears had too much time and too much skill for the Raiders. Maranacook scored three goals in the final 11:38 of the first half and added six more in the second half in a convincing 9-1 win.

“Our defense played well for 28 minutes,” said Oak Hill coach Joe Fletcher. “Our backs were against the wall for all 28 minutes. We played tough, but we expected them to come at us, and they certainly did.”

Maranacook outshot Oak Hill 50-2 in the game. Will Trunnell and Billy Ervin each had a pair of goals for the Black Bears (3-0-1).

“We’ve worked hard throughout the summer and in the preseason and in the regular season,” said Fletcher. “We’ve improved, but it’s also discouraging at the same time. We’re starting six sophomores, three juniors and two seniors.”

Brian Bisson had the lone goal for the Raiders while goaltender John Daggett was a strong presence in goal, making 22 saves.

“He’s improved a lot,” said Fletcher. “I like the way he plays. He’s a good kid, and he works real hard. He faced a lot of quality shots.”

The Raiders scored just 5:38 into the game. Oak Hill (1-3) had an offensive rush, and after a defensive misplay allowed Bisson to get a shot off from the right side, he dinged one off the left post. It was the second straight game Maranacook had fallen behind early.

“We’ve given up some weak goals,” said Maranacook coach Don Beckwith, whose team went to the Western B final last year and is expected to contend again. “We only gave up five last year, and we’ve already given up three. That’s too many.”

Maranacook controlled the ball, using its skills and speed to win most balls against an inexperienced Raider team, but the Black Bears could not finish.

Devon Eaton helped save a goal by clearing a loose ball with the net empty. Daggett made a sprawling save on a header by Ervin in front.

Maranacook didn’t panic though and kept the pressure on.

“You’ve just got to relax and let the game go,” said Beckwith.

Finally with 11:38 left in the half, Trunnell tied the game. He finished off a cross with a nifty header in front.

Ervin then put Maranacook ahead with 4:42 left with a score from the right side off an Andrew Mack pass. Then with just 11 seconds left, Mike Poulin finished off a Chris Bates corner kick.

“That last one really broke their backs,” said Beckwith. “That was the stick that broke their back.”

From there, the Black Bears dominated. Trunnell, Barclay Mitchell and Ervin scored in the first eight minutes of the second half. Mack, Bates and Zach Fletcher all added goals late in the half.

“That’s our strength,” said Beckwith of moving the ball on the ground. “That’s us. We have to play on the ground. Once we start playing in the air, we’re not a very good team. Anybody can beat us. That’s our game, our speed and on the ground.”