Royals Match Report 2003-04

Groom Earns Valuable Draw for Magpies.

Tenbury 0-0 Church Stretton
(South Shropshire Cup - 28-09-03)

Magpies travelled to Tenbury Wells for the second week in succession for the 1st Round 1st Leg of the South Shropshire Cup. Another sunny Sunday morning saw the Magpies stick with the same starting line up as the previous week's encounter. The team were told to prepare for a much harder match this time round, as Tenbury would be seeking revenge for their defeat the previous week. And indeed it was...

From the outset it looked as if Tenbury had their minds made up that only one result would be acceptable and the Magpies had to defend solidly during the first 5 minutes, with Michael Brayne as strong as ever at the back. Tenbury didn't have it all their way however and on 10 minutes Harvey Carless-Turland broke away down the left wing and hit a strong cross over towards Rory Smith, but unfortunately Tenbury were able to clear the ball to safety.

An injury to Michael Brayne on 12 minutes saw a forced substitution, with new signing Simon Riley making his first appearance in a Magpies shirt, at the back. Fortunately Brayne's injury did not shake the Magpies and they battled hard for the remainder of the first half, but forwards Harvey Carless-Turland and Rory Smith were closed down immediately they got the ball by the physical Tenbury defence.

On 16 minutes Rory Smith did latch onto the end of a whipped in cross from Harvey Carless-Turland on the left wing, but the Tenbury keeper was equal to the shot and pulled off the save.

Half time saw Jack Case come on for Harvey Carless-Turland and Michael Brayne back on for Rory Smith. Joe Hearle was pushed upfront from defence with Jack Case, and Brayne slotted back into his regular position at the back.

After 8 minutes of the 2nd half, the Magpies came the closest to finding the net when a Simon Riley corner was crossed in and the ball was returned back to him by the Tenbury defence. A first time dipping lob from the tightest of angles just skimmed the top of the cross bar, to the agony of the away supporters.

Tenbury continued to pressurise the Magpies defence during the 2nd half and came closest to scoring after 15 minutes when a shot skipped across the penalty area and bounced off the post to the relief of Ed Groom in the Magpies goal.

With 3 minutes to go Magpies were caught out of position after a forward run, and a counter attack saw 3 Tenbury players charging towards Ed Groom's goal and with only Michael Brayne and the keeper to beat. After taking the ball past the last defender Ed Groom pulled off the save of the day, bravely diving at the feet of the Tenbury forward and ensuring that there is still everything to play for in the 2nd leg.

Team: Ed Groom, Michael Brayne, Joe Hearle, Rory Smith, Harvey Carless-Turland.
Subs: Simon Riley, Jack Case.