Royals Match Report 2004-05

Beaten by the Bigger Boys

Craven Arms 3-1 Church Stretton (Smith) (League 18/09/04)

An overcast sky awaited the Magpies at Craven Arms, for this local derby. A strong shower sent everyone scurrying for cover prior to the start of the game. But as kick-off approached the rain held off and the match was actually played in reasonably dry conditions. The pitch was less heavy and less slippery than feared, although the grass was uneven and long. Despite this, the game started at a high tempo with some good attacking moves by both sides. After only three minutes a defensive error by the Magpies allowed a Craven Arms attacker to unleash a strong shot which found the back of the Magpies net to make it 0-1. The Magpies were not discouraged and some good attacking moves followed. But Craven Arms defended well and were quick on the counter attack. From one of these a brilliant shot from far out on the right found the back of the Magpies net to make it 0-2

It became apparent that the boys from Craven Arms were mostly older than the Magpies and that gave them an edge in speed to the ball and greater strength in obtaining possession. This was particularly beneficial to them as the Magpie's defence was at times quite far forward. Craven Arms defended deeper, allowing the Magpies little space in front of goal. But the Magpies played better as a team, than in some or their previous matches. They attacked with some determination, if not always with the best tactical use of the field. They were rewarded shortly before half time when Smith headed home from a corner to make it 1-2, bringing them right back into the game.

The second half started off with Craven Arms launching a series of attacks on the Magpies' goal. Some shots on goal were well clear of the target, others just missed. After a few minutes Hearle came on for Case and quickly got involved. A few minutes later Smith was replaced by Robinson. More attacks by Craven Arms were frustrated by some determined defending and two brave interventions by goalkeeper Holtz, coming out to meet the attacker. Not that the game was entirely one-sided. The Magpies did put in a number of attacks, from one of which Carless-Turland came close to scoring with an excellent shot on goal. Even defender Riley had a good shot on goal which, with a bit of luck, could have gone in. But it was Craven Arms who had the final say. Clearing quickly after the Magpies had forced a corner, the Craven Arms attack swept forward Arsenal style and slotted in a well deserved final goal. For they played some good football, fully exploiting their advantage in age. The Magpies put in a satisfactory performance, their passing at times still lacking precision. Players still had a tendency for waiting for the ball to come to them, rather than coming to meet it. Also empty spaces on the field were often not made use of. But good progress was made. The Magpies are clearly on the up.

Team: Cameron Holtz, Simon Riley, Michael Brayne, Jack Case, Rory Smith , Harvey Carless-Turland, Tom Lewis. Subs: Joe Hearle, Dominic Robinson.