Royals Match Report 2003-04

Revenge Tastes Sweet for Tenbury.

Church Stretton 0-2 Tenbury
(League - 07-12-03)

Tenbury Wells were our visitors for the last game before the Christmas break, on a cold and frosty morning in Stretton. A pitch inspection took place before kick-off and although there was a frost on the ground, both managers decided that it was safe to play the game. The sun was shining, so the frost started to disappear quite quickly.

Tenbury started off the stronger side, showing confidence, and that they had improved significantly since the beginning of the season. Continued pressure on the Magpies goal meant that Michael Brayne and Joe Hearle had to be at their best to keep out the Tenbury forwards. Joe Hearle was playing as sweeper, but due to the pressure, he was unable to provide the needed support up front.

After 10 minutes Tenbury scored their first goal - a cleverly worked move that caught the Magpies napping, and they were punished with a fine goal that Ed Groom could do nothing about. This seemed to fire Magpies up and for the remainder of the half they started playing better football and keeping possession for longer periods. Sadly though they were unable to break through the Tenbury defence to get the equaliser. Harvey Carless-Turland came close when he broke through, but with only the keeper to beat, his shot was not powerful enough to trouble him.

Jack Case replaced Harvey Carless-Turland after 15 minutes to add some pace up front, but still Magpies could not break through. With 3 minutes of the half left, Magpies were awarded a free kick when a late tackle brought down Rory Smith. Michael Brayne stepped up to take the free kick but unfortunately it went straight into the wall.

Half time saw Simon Riley replace Rory Smith, with Joe Hearle reverting back to the right wing. Jordan Wells replaced Ed Groom in goal.

Five minutes into the second half Magpies had their best chance, when Joe Hearle's shot was well saved by the Tenbury keeper, after a menacing run down the right wing.

Midway through the second half, Tenbury broke away from defence, and with Magpies struggling to get back, they coolly slotted the past a diving Jordan Wells, who could do nothing about it.

With five minutes to go Harvey Carless-Turland and Rory Smith replaced Michael Brayne and Jack Case in a last attempt to salvage something from the game. However it was not to be and Tenbury went on their way with the 3 points.

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