Royals 1-3 Meole Brace Juniors (Grinker)
(League Cup Final, 10-05-09)
Despite a far better performance than those that they
have displayed recently, Royals could not do enough to secure their
first piece of silverware since joining the Shropshire Junior
Football League.
A sideways slope on the pitch caused both teams problems
and prevented it from being a textbook football match. However both teams gave
their all and it was unfortunate that there had to be a loser.
As expected, Meole Brace started confidently, their end of
season league form clearly boosting their confidence. Midway through the first
half they took the lead, after ex-Royal
Carless-Turland was sent on his way by a long pass and he finished superbly past the diving
Keugler.
However, Royals continued to battle and when Grinker
equalised with a superb header 10 minutes before the break from a Hearle
corner, it was game on again. Royals now showed more determination, closing down
their opponents more quickly and forcing them into errors. They enjoyed their
best spell, after the equaliser and took the game to their opponents.
The teams went in at half time with the score at 1-1 and
Royals instructed to keep on closing their opponents down quickly and doggedly.
Early in the second half, Royals could have taken the lead
after a neat move between Moffat, Smith and Grinker, saw Grinker's shot go
inches wide.
Royals continued to battle and caused their opponents
problems but then, against the run of play Royals were dealt a sucker
punch when Carless-Turland scored his second. The ball was bouncing around in
the Royals' area like a pinball machine. Green headed off the line, Agnew
cleared and Al Houbani scrambled clear all in quick succession. Then Carless-Turland
found the ball at his feet and fired home for his second of the game.
Royals now had to dig deep if they were to salvage anything
from the game. Smith was sent up front to partner Lewis and they went to 3 at
the back. With 12 minutes left there was still time to equalise. Then, a great
move saw Smith flick the ball on to Lewis who advanced towards goal and fired
home, only to be adjudged offside by the assistant referee.
With 5 minutes remaining and with Royals throwing everyone
forward, Meole scored their third and final goal, making sure there was no way
back for the Royals.
Team: Keugler, Agnew (Watts 30), Green, Al-Houbani,
Smith, Hearle, Miles (Weynberg 20), Fielding, Moffat, Grinker, Lewis
(Baker 35)
