Royals put on a convincing performance today in their first game in the Shropshire Junior Football League as they defeated Baschurch Raiders 4-2. Two goals from Smith and one each from Green and Fielding made sure of the points for the team and gave them the best possible start to their season.

For the first 20 or so minutes the team found themselves on the back foot for much of the time, with Baschurch making their intentions clear from the outset. Royals defended resolutely though and were able to prevent their opponents from taking a lead. The long grass did not suit their quick passing game and they had to adjust their style of play to suit.

As the half went on Royals started to find their feet and got more into the game. They started to put some decent moves together, the best of which resulted in the first goal, after midfielder Moffat sent the ball through to Smith, who drilled home from 12 yards to make the score 1-0.

The teams went in for the break with the score still at 1-0.

Royals continued where they left off and 8 minutes into the second half they were awarded a free kick 6 yards outside the penalty area. Green stepped up and fired his shot into the top corner. The keeper got his hands to it but was unable to prevent the ball from going over the line, making the score 2-0.

Five minutes later Smith scored his second when Fielding took possession of the ball and split the Baschurch defence with his pass. Smith met the pass, took aim and shot past the keeper into the back of the net.

Royals made the score 4-0 after Fielding received the ball midway into the Baschurch half. After pushing the ball past his marker, he used his pace to head towards goal. As the keeper came out to meet him he placed his shot around him and into the back of the net.

Baschurch kept fighting and gave the Royals a scare with two late goals, which could have been more but for two excellent saves from Keugler and a clearance off the line from Riley.

Team: Keugler, Agnew (Baker 25), Green (Riley 40), Miles, Al Houbani, Hearle, Weynberg (Watts 25), Moffat, Fielding, Lewis, Smith (Lock 40)