Royals Match Report 2005-06

Royals falter but battle to earn a point.

 Presteigne 3-3 Royals (League, 05-02-06)
(Lewis 2, Groom)

After a bitterly cold week, Sunday brought a rise in temperature and even some breaks in the cloud, ideal weather for the Royals' crunch game against Presteigne. In the first leg of the cup game back in December, Presteigne showed what a good team they are. The Royals, on their home ground, deservedly beat them 1-0. This time Presteigne was on their home ground and were undoubtedly seeking revenge against a team that were unbeaten this season.

From the first whistle Presteigne attacked, playing with great passion. They were exceptionally quick to the ball and aggressive, not allowing the Royals to settle down. Indeed, so unsettled were the Royals that they made mistake after mistake. Not clearing the ball properly, passing inaccurately and letting the opposition take the ball from them. Presteigne in contrast passed the ball well and it was no great surprise when they scored a mere four minutes into the game. A goal kick by Holtz was intercepted by a Presteigne striker. He dribbled forward and then let lose a cannonball of a shot to which Holtz barely managed to get fingertips, certainly not enough to divert it from its target, the back of the net. 

Presteigne followed this up with some more delightful passing movements. But the Royals were gradually getting more into the game. Fewer errors were made and some promising attacks were launched on the Presteigne goal. Yet Presteigne remained very much on top. They were invariably half a yard quicker on the ball and a second goal followed eighteen minutes into the game. A strong shot on the Royals' goal was palmed away by Holtz. A Presteigne striker was quick to accept the opportunity and poked the ball into the back of the net. 

In the final ten minutes to half time the game became more even. The Royals started passing the ball, playing for each other and began to produce some good football. Lewis gave the Royals hope with a good header on the Presteigne goal. But the ball was pushed out by the goal keeper. Lewis did, however, succeed with an excellent goal shortly afterwards. The ball was passed down the right hand side where Hearle picked it up, dribbled forward and crossed to Lewis whose fierce shot proved unstoppable. A beautiful effort, more in line with what we have become used to from the Royals. Thus presented with a lifeline, the Royals took heart. On the other side of the field Carless-Turland produced an exciting move, dribbling down the left flank and beating defenders on the way. But his shot from a narrow angle went straight into the goal keeper's waiting arms. 

For the second half Brayne replaced Robinson at left back. The Royals started off the second half determined to show how good they really were. Hopes were raised when the Royals were awarded a free kick in a good position. Hearle produced a superb cross, headed on by Carless-Turland but the Presteigne goal keeper was in the right place to field it. Smith was then taken off, replaced by Groom. In spite of the greater efforts by the Royals, Presteigne moved ahead further. A beautiful passing movement by their forwards ended with a shot which gave Holtz no chance. The Royals were now staring defeat in the face for the first time this season. Certainly Presteigne believed the game to be safe for them with three-quarters of the second half over and a lead of two goals. 

The Royals were now playing with great passion and with seven minutes remaining a free kick was awarded to them, just outside the penalty area. Hearle floated the kick into the area and it was deflected away by a Presteigne defender. Groom managed to latch onto the loose ball and tapped it home.

This made the Royals even more determined. With just 3 minutes remaining Lewis received the ball from Carless-Turland, took the ball round his man and calmly slotted the ball wide of the Presteigne goal keeper, into the corner of the net to make the score 3-3. 

Presteigne was devastated by their failure to win, indeed found it hard to believe that from 3-1 up with most of the game over, they failed to clinch it. For the Royals, on the other hand, getting back from 1-3 down was a magnificent achievement. After a lacklustre first half, the Royals showed real grit, determination and strength of character as the game wore on. From that point of view it was a fantastic result. 

Team: Cameron Holtz, Simon Riley (c), Dominic Robinson, Joe Hearle, Rory Smith Harvey Carless-Turland, Tom Lewis. Subs: Ed Groom, Michael Brayne