(League, 15-02-09)
Royals continued to pile on the pressure at the top of the table
this morning when they thumped bottom club Meresiders 10-1, in a
match switched to Russell's Meadow at the last minute, due to
Meresiders' pitch being waterlogged.
Royals were without defender Al Houbani, who was unavailable for
selection, but otherwise had a full strength squad. A strong and
cold wind blew across the pitch in the first half and for the first
10 minutes it looked like both teams were struggling to find their
rhythm. The wind, coupled with a very light match ball made it
difficult to gain control of the ball.
After 12 minutes Royals got their breakthrough when Hearle netted a
finely crafted goal, the first of his three. As the half went on
Royals began to dominate and further goals from Moffat, Fielding and
Lewis added to the total.
Meresiders were a more physical side, with some tall and strong
players, but Royals were able to counteract this with some finely
honed football.
In the second half the wind was at their backs and they used this
advantage to good effect. Hearle completed his hat trick, Fielding,
Moffat, Baker and the outstanding Agnew all added to their season's
tallies.
Meresiders played some decent football as well, and the game was not
as one sided as the score would suggest, but Royals put together
some outstanding moves, particularly in the second half.
Meresiders did gain a consolation goal, just before the final
whistle, after a goalmouth scramble was rightly judged to be over
the line.
The main positive from the game besides the result, was that Royals
kept their shape and discipline despite being so far ahead in the
game. With some very tough games coming up, Royals will need to
maintain this form to stand a chance of winning a trophy this
season.
Team: Keugler, Agnew, Miles, Green,
Smith, Weynberg, Hearle, Moffat, Leech Watts (25), Fielding (Baker
25), Lewis
