Royals Match Report 2003-04

Unlucky Magpies Go Down Fighting.

Church Stretton 1-3 Craven Arms
(Brayne) (League - 30-11-03)

Magpies faced high flying Craven Arms this week, on their new pitch at St Laurence's School. After a run of 3 straight wins Magpies were hoping to make it 4, although Craven Arms were not expected to be an easy pushover. Simon Riley was back in the starting line up after a week's absence, but other than that the same team was fielded.

On kick off, Magpies immediately took the ball to Craven Arms, playing confidently. On 3 minutes Joe Hearle went close, just placing his shot from 12 yards over the bar.

From then on, Craven Arms began to find their feet and came more into the game. On 5 minutes a defensive error let craven Arms attacker break forward and they made no mistake in slotting the ball past Ed Groom in the Magpies goal.

After 7 minutes Magpies were awarded a free kick for a foul, just outside the Craven Arms penalty area. Michael Brayne stepped up and belted an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. The referee, however disallowed the goal, stating that the kick was indirect.
When his mistake was pointed out to him (there are no indirect free kicks in mini soccer), he ordered the kick to be taken again. Unfortunately for Magpies, a Craven Arms defender was able to block Michael Brayne's shot, so the score remained at 0-1.

On 10 minutes a poor clearance Magpies, allowed the Craven Arms striker to blast a shot home from 12 yards to make the score 0-2.

Magpies kept their heads up and started passing the ball as they had been doing so well of late, putting together some promising moves. Shortly after, Ed Groom pulled off 2 excellent saves, just tapping the ball round the post, saving 2 shots that would have been definite goals.

On 15 minutes Craven Arms finally made it 0-3, after a run down the right wing ended in a shot from the narrowest angle, beating Ed Groom at the near post.

On 16 minutes Jack Case replaced Harvey Carless-Turland (tactical) but there was no change in the score before half time.

The second half was a more equal affair with Magpies having long periods of possession. However despite putting together some great moves, they were unable to capitalise and pull a goal back.

5 minutes into the second half Rory Smith replaced Simon Riley (tactical) and partnered Jack Case up front., with Joe Hearle reverting to an attacking wing back position.

13 minutes into the second half Magpies were awarded a free kick, just outside the Craven Arms penalty area. This time Michael Brayne made no mistake and blasted the ball into the back of the net, making the score 1-3.

On 15 minutes Harvey Carless-Turland replaced Jack Case (tactical) and for the last 5 minutes Magpies dominated proceedings. The best move of the game came after a long period of possession resulted in Michael Brayne, using Harvey Carless-Turland on the left wing who sent in a fine cross to Joe Hearle, who fired just wide from 15 yards.

Final score 1-3, and the Magpies can be proud that they came very close to beating this much fancied Craven Arms team.

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