Royals Match Report 2004-05

Only One Goal but Three Important Points Gained

Coreley 0-1 Church Stretton (League 14/11/04)

Although a bitterly cold morning was expected, it turned out to be a bright sunny morning with no wind, and quite warm. This game could well have been considered to be a 6 pointer with both teams just below the mid point of the table. Both teams had everything to play for.

Due to Coreley's strength in defence, Magpies made some tactical changes, with Hearle replacing the rested Riley at right back, and for the first time this season using twin strikers in Lewis and Groom.

Early on it became apparent that the Magpies were the better footballing side. However they were unable to capitalise on this and the play was scrappy, with both teams finding it hard to maintain any serious possession. The Magpies certainly dominated, but play was untidy, lacking in fluency and many passes went astray. The Magpies found themselves mostly in Coreley's half of the pitch, forcing a string of throw-ins and corners as Corley valiantly defended as best they could. Some good play was nevertheless produced by the Magpies. A forceful run down the line by Groom with the ball at his feet ended with a shot wide of goal. Lewis dribbled impressively through the centre but failed to convert. An excellent corner taken by Hearle saw the ball sail just above the strikers' heads. A good run by Carless-Turland ended with a final pass just too strong for Lewis to latch on to.

So the first half ended scoreless in spite of the Magpies' superiority. Coreley were rarely to be seen in the Magpies' half and did not have a single shot on goal.

Manager Smith reorganised the team for the second half, reverting back to the 2-3-1 formation that had worked so well previously. Robinson was sent on as right back and Hearle was moved forward. Lewis was rested. 

This had immediate benefits, as the players were definitely more comfortable in this formation. As the second half got underway the Magpies started to play better but still no goals were scored. After five minutes Case was brought on for Groom, to play wide on the left, while Carless-Turland was moved up to striker. Just five minutes later, In the move of the match Hearle neatly slipped the ball to Case on the left wing who produced a powerful shot on target which gave the Corley keeper no chance. 

After that Corley had their best period, attempting to equalise. There were a number of runs into the Magpies half, one of which also produced a shot on goal. But Brayne and Robinson, often ably assisted by Smith, were well up to the task of dealing with any potential threat. 

The final period saw some more good attacking movements by the Magpies with Case again shining on the left wing. In one outstanding move Hearle burst through the centre leaving defenders trailing behind and appeared certain to score with a powerful shot on target. But the Corley keeper stuck out his right hand just firmly enough to divert the ball. Indeed the Corley keeper played well, showing good judgement on when to come out to gather up an over weighted pass.

A good victory for the Magpies then, and whilst not at their best, they managed to come away from tricky opponents with the points.

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