Royals Match Report 2003-04

Injury Time Agony Robs Magpies of Draw

Craven Arms 2-1 Church Stretton
(Brayne) (League - 14-09-03)

This match was never going to be easy and we knew that Craven Arms would be tough opponents, after losing to them 4-2 in a pre-season friendly. Despite our excellent victory against Clun the week previous, we tried to ensure that the team understood that this would not be so easy.
The game was played in sweltering conditions with Craven Arms starting off the stronger team. Only some sturdy defending by Michael Brayne prevented them from taking an early lead. The Magpies had their chances in the first half too and Harvey Carless-Turland made full use of his pace on the left wing and put some excellent crosses in to the penalty area to worry the Craven Arms defence.
After 7 minutes Craven Arms did take the lead after a cruel deflection gave Jordan Wells no chance in the Magpies' goal. Magpies kept battling and 3 minutes later were awarded a free kick for pushing which Michael Brayne blasted inches over the bar. This inspired the team and their continued pressure paid off after 15 minutes when Harvey Carless-Turland was brought down 15 yards out. This time Michael made no mistake as he blasted an unstoppable shot past the keeper.

The start of the second half saw Kieran Adams replace Rory Smith in midfield, and also a change of goalkeeper in the Craven Arms goal. This half was a fairly even affair with both sides having plenty of chances, but neither team being able to edge ahead.
8 minutes into the 2nd half saw more substitutions for the Magpies, Jake Watts for Harvey CarlessTurland, and Ed Groom for Joe Hearle. Ed Groom went close soon after coming on after a quick break from his own half but his shot was blocked by an excellent tackle from the Craven Arms defender.
Craven Arms continued to pile on the pressure and seemed determined to get the winner. Jordan Wells was strongly tested in the Magpies goal producing two excellent saves, tipping both shots over the bar.
In an attempt to get a late winner, Rory Smith replaced Kieran Adams with 5 minutes remaining and went into the forward line, whilst Jake Watts dropped back into midfield. Almost immediately a long clearance found Rory breaking away but pressure from the Craven Arms defence forced a shot that did not trouble their keeper.
With a minute to go it looked like the Magpies had won a valuable point away from home, however it was not to be. In the last minute of stoppage time Craven Arms struck a cruel blow. A fine move from their own half saw the ball being passed out wide to the right to their forward, who struck a quality first time shot into the top corner of the net.
Seconds later it was all over and although the team was disappointed, they were desperately unlucky not to have come away with a point.

Team: Jordan Wells, Michael Brayne, Joe Hearle, Rory Smith, Harvey Carless-'I~rland. Subs: Kieran Adams, Ed Groom, Jake Watts.