Royals Match Report 2003-04

Classy Magpies Steal the Show.

Ludlow 0-2 Church Stretton
(Hearle 2) (League - 09-11-03)

The Magpies visited the Coors Stadium for their first afternoon match of the season, against a recently improved Ludlow side. Confidence in the Magpies was high on the back of their recent 11-1 defeat of Orleton. This was never going to be that easy though, so the team prepared themselves for a tough battle.

Straight from the start Magpies took the game to the home side, keeping control of the game for long periods. Michael Brayne and Simon Riley were in their usual commanding form at the back, while Joe Hearle showed again why he likes his new position of right wing, making countless runs down right side and worrying the Ludlow left back, with his menacing crosses. Rory Smith provided the support in the middle but by his standards was having a quiet game and was substituted on 12 minutes, replaced by Harvey Carless-Turland who joined Joe Hearle upfront.

Several more good chances fell to Magpies in the first half, but a fine performance by the Ludlow keeper ensured that the teams went in at half time with the score at 0-0.

The 2nd half saw Magpies continuing where they left off, patiently building up attacks, and working together well, not letting Ludlow build much. Ed Groom in the Magpies goal had very little to do as the strong defending ensured that Ludlow were kept at bay.

Four minutes into the 2nd half Magpies were awarded a free kick just outside the Ludlow penalty area for a late tackle on Harvey Carless-Turland. Michael Brayne stepped up to take the kick but it went agonisingly over the bar.

Eight minutes into the 2nd half Joe Hearle won the ball just inside the Ludlow half and took the ball wide on the right. He took the ball round the Ludlow left back and then cut in to fire home from 8 yards making the score 1-0. Once the first goal had gone in Ludlow's confidence fell, and Magpies drove forward searching for another.

On 12 minutes Ludlow broke from their own half and Ed Groom came out to try to collect the ball from the Ludlow striker. The striker pushed the ball round Ed and looked as though he would score, when Michael Brayne came across and cleared the ball away.

Magpies piled the pressure on and several goalmouth scrambles resulted in Ludlow just managing to clear the ball out of the danger area.

On 15 minutes Joe Hearle found the ball at his feet on the edge of the Ludlow area and powered himself closer to the goal, whereupon he fired home, with the ball squeezing inside the far post.

The last 5 minutes saw Magpies search for another and their workmanlike performance prevented Ludlow from getting anything from this game.

A fine performance by the team - probably the best yet. Things seem to be coming together now and for the 2nd week in succession the team are starting to play with an understanding for each other.

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