Royals Match Report 2003-04

Scrappy Magpies Just do Enough.

 Church Stretton 3-0 Coreley
(Hearle 2, OG) (League - 28-03-04)

Magpies failed to impress in this re-arranged fixture against their closest league rivals, despite finishing 3-0 winners. For once the weather conditions were fine and mild, and the pitch was in perfect condition - ideal football conditions.

Magpies announced a slightly changed team, with Michael Brayne back in the starting line-up, replacing Harvey Carless-Turland who started as substitute.

Coreley have a reputation as being a good defensive team and right from the start this was evident, when each time the Magpies launched an attack they found themselves thwarted by a crowded defensive line. Whether it was due to this, or the changed starting line-up, Magpies found themselves frustrated and found it difficult to string any number of passes together. This resulted in a fairly scrappy first half in which neither side could really get the upper hand.

In form Hearle used his pace to good advantage early on sending in several crosses from the right wing which were unfortunately just out reach of Smith. Brayne was back to his best in the right back position and was able to tidy up any threatening loose balls close to the Magpies goal.

The first blow was eventually struck by the Magpies, who may have just about deserved it. On 12 minutes Hearle broke away from just in front of the half way line and out paced the Coreley defence to rifle his shot past the keeper to make the score 1-0.

With the half time score at 1-0, Carless-Turland replaced Riley, to increase Magpies attacking options. Almost immediately on the restart, he went close after being sent on a run down the left wing, by a Brayne pass. He cut inside and shot low, but the Coreley keeper was just able to push it round the post.

Magpies did start playing their usual passing game a little more in the second half, but were never really able to dominate proceedings. Coreley always looked dangerous on the break, and Groom was tested more than once in the Magpies goal, pulling off a couple of brave saves.

12 minutes into the second half Hearle scored his second of the match, when he received a pass from Carless-Turland, and with only the keeper to beat again, shot low and hard to make the score 2-0.

On 13 minutes Riley replaced Smith in order to bolster up the defence for the last quarter of the game. This had the desired effect and Coreley did little to trouble Magpies from then on.

Magpies 3rd goal was a bizarre own goal, when the Coreley defender made a straightforward back pass to the keeper, who took his eye off the ball and turned round to see the ball trickle into the goal behind him.

Final score Magpies 3-o Coreley, and although a far from polished performance from the Magpies, another valuable 3 points earned.

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