Royals Match Report 2005-06

Stunning 2nd half display gives Royals important first leg lead.

Onny Plus 0-1 Royals (Cup 1st Rnd, 1st leg, 25-09-05)
(Lewis)

Another visit to Burway cricket ground in Ludlow, this time to face Onny Plus. Winter crept a little closer, but the morning was pleasant enough and a minor shower cleared before the match got underway. A light breeze did not detract from what was another good morning for football. 

The Onny Plus side was older than the Onny Tigers that the Royals had faced the week before and they appeared in pre-match training to be quite an accomplished side. The initial stages of the game proved quite a ding-dong battle, both sides attacking their opponents goals. This was clearly not going to be the walk over for the Royals of some of the matches earlier in the season. Though, as the game progressed, the Royals began to have more of the ball and some good passing movements resulted. They certainly had more shots on goal, albeit so far all wide. Onny were at times quick to break forward, though the Royals defence held well. Robinson in particular was excellent in robbing Onny of the ball. 

Some excellent runs down the line were made by Carless-Turland and Hearle. But somehow the crosses failed to end with a telling shot on target. One reason certainly was that Onny defended well. As the game wore on the Royals increasingly had more of the game. Shots on goal still failed to produce a goal, but it was becoming closer. Half time came without a single shot from either side actually on target, in part at least a tribute to the excellent defensive work by both sides. 

Manager Smith was quite pleased with his team's performance. He encouraged them to spend less time on the ball - i.e. to pass quicker - and to challenge for every ball. The closing down of opponents with the ball was much better than in some previous matches, but could be further improved. At times the Royals could have helped one another more. It was also important to keep moving into space, not to stay static. He asked Holtz to do more short passes to his defenders who would then launch an attack down the line. Many of the long goal kicks tended to go out on the far side, robbing the Royals of possession. At this stage Manager Smith thought that the match could go either way and it would all depend on who wanted to win it most, who would show the greatest determination. 

In the second half the Royals were playing downhill which should facilitate their task somewhat. Both teams started off with some good attacking movements which provided scoring opportunities, all of which were missed. One memorable cross from Hearle across the Onny goal mouth only required a tap in. As the second half progressed the Royals were gradually getting the upper hand and looked more and more dangerous. At times, particularly at corners, Onny pulled all their players back. With the Royals more on more on top the long fought for goal finally arrived. Hearle sped down the wing with the ball at its feet, crossed low and powerfully. The ball hit an Onny defender and fell into the patch of Lewis. Lewis unleashed a strong shot which was deflected by a defender past the outstretched hand of the keeper and into the corner of the net. Just reward for all the efforts put in by all the forwards. 

The goal appeared to invigorate the Royals who played some awesome football for the remainder of the second half. Attack followed attack. They could have scored three or four more goals, but somehow didn't. A powerful shot by Carless-Turland rattled the crossbar and Lewis nearly steered in the rebound. From another excellent corner by Hearle, Carless-Turland hit just wide. Yet another Carless-Turland shot was saved by the Onny keeper. Hearle and Lewis too were unlucky not to have put a ball in the back of the net.

On 40 minutes Smith came close in what had to be the shot of the match. Carless-Turland back-heeled the ball back to him and he hit a peach of a shot from 20 yards out that rattled against the Onny crossbar.

The Onny players were now increasingly injury prone, often failing to get up after an unsuccessful tussle for the ball. 

Onny did launch one dangerous attack which could easily have brought them the equaliser. But Holtz, rushing out, deflected the powerful shot out of harms way with his outstretched arm. The game ended on high note for the Royals, now completely in command.

Manager Smith said after the game that his team had never played better. They played with great passion. Smith was full of fight and commanded the middle of the field while Hearle and Carless-Turland were outstanding on the wings. Lewis, who has regained his old sharpness, battled for everything up front. When called upon Riley and Robinson defended well. Robinson in particular made some superb tackles. 

The whole team was in fact outstanding. Once the goal was scored the Royals were transformed, playing with great self belief and great passion. The goal sparked something off. Thereafter the Royals fought for everything, closing their opponents down quickly. But the Onny team also played good football, making it a most entertaining game to watch. 

The return match is in two weeks time. Manager Smith cautioned that the job was only half done.

Team: Cameron Holtz, Simon Riley, Dominic Robinson, Rory Smith (c), Joe Hearle, Tom Lewis, Harvey Carless-Turland. Subs: (not used) Ed Groom, Michael Brayne