Royals Match Report 2004-05

Champions Too Strong For Magpies

Presteigne 4-0 Church Stretton (League 04/05/04)

In their second midweek match in as many weeks, Magpies made the long journey to title hopefuls Presteigne for a tough away fixture. On the back of two wins and a draw they were hopeful of maybe coming away with something from this game.

With nothing to play for in the league now, some changes were made to the line up in order to give match practice to some of the other players. Carless-Turland and Smith were rested from the starting line up, and Case and Robinson came in for some much needed match practice. There was also one enforced change, with Groom taking the goalkeepers position, in replace of the injured Holtz.

The teams had the added benefit of being able to use changing rooms before the game and the most the most of this facility for their pre-match team talk. The pitch was quite sloping and for the first half Magpies kicked up the hill, into the setting sun.

Form the outset, the match was a high tempo affair with two good footballing teams both  playing to their abilities. Presteigne, with the advantage of kicking down the hill took the game to the Magpies, with Brayne and Riley often stretched at the back, due to the speed of the Presteigne attacks. Groom performed exceptionally well in goal, not putting a foot wrong and pulled off more than one excellent save, bravely diving at his opposition's feet.

Robinson, whilst strong in the tackle, looked a little inexperienced at this level and quite often Magpies did not create anything from the midfield. Case made some useful runs down the left flank but unfortunately he had met his match in the Presteigne right back.

However Magpies did create some chances and their best came with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half, after a string of 5 or 6 passes left the ball at Hearle's feet. Hearle turned quickly to shoot and saw his shot rebound of the bar, with the keeper well beaten.

With the half time score at 0-0 and with a down hill run in the second half, the team was hopeful that they could match their opponents for the second 25 minutes.

Unfortunately it was not to be, and within 4 minutes from the restart a quick breakaway from within their own half, down the right hand side saw the Presteigne right wing cross over a fine pass to his team mate who successfully shot past the diving Groom.

Just 3 minutes later the second goal came. Again Magpies were caught sleeping and the twin attackers punished them in the worst possible way, by making the score 2-0.

Immediately after this Smith was brought on to replace Robinson, to introduce some experience into the midfield. This had the desired effect and Magpies started passing the ball about more and tried to take control in the midfield area.

They forced several corners in succession, and although Hearle sent over some top crosses Magpies were not able to beat the Presteigne defence in the air.

With 10 minutes to go Presteigne made it 3-0, again breaking away quickly and leaving Groom beaten in the Magpies goal. The final insult came with the fourth goal, which although well crafted, perhaps made the score line a little unjust.

In the end the better team won on the day and being probably the best team we have played since Christmas, they have deservedly won the league.

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