Royals Match Report 2006-07

Super Royals conquer strong opposition
Presteigne 2-3 Royals (League, 24-09-06)
(Lewis, Bourne, Miles)

Royals traveled to Presteigne for their first away fixture of the season. Against a team that was a year older, the Royals started the game as underdogs and after two easy victories in the first two games of the season, a sterner test was in store.

Royals were still without the suspended Groom and Carless-Turland, and so Bourne paired with Lewis in the striker's role, with Hearle, Miles and Smith making up a 3 man midfield. Green slotted in just behind midfield.

After a scrappy first 10 minutes, in which neither side were able to take the upper hand, Royals started to show that they were a talented team capable of playing with great passion. They mounted attack after attack on the Presteigne goal, on occasions playing some sublime football. Their passing was good and they battled for every ball.

After just 13 minutes Smith limped off with a suspected groin strain, to be replaced by Weynberg. This disruption did not deter the team though but it still came as a surprise when they found themselves ahead after 15 minutes play. A strong shot by Miles found the back of the net, aided by a deflection. Confirming their excellent form, two more goals followed, one by Lewis the other by Bourne. It was an outstanding performance which left their opponents looking somewhat second class. 

Half time thus came with the Royals three goals up and very much on top. A run-away win beckoned. But it did not quite turn out that way. The Royals could not quite match their first half performance at the start of the second half and Presteigne raised their game and played with greater purpose. They kicked long balls forward and the Royals back four, which played well up field, were often forced to scurry back in a hurry. Twice the Presteigne attackers succeeded in outrunning the Royals and scored. Still, the Royals had a number of further scoring chances which came close. With a bit more luck they could have added to their score. The second half turned out a much more balanced contest. 

The game ended with the Royals worthy winners in a most entertaining game. For the Royals Hearle and Bourne were particularly impressive. The ran their socks off, as did the other midfield players. In defence Brayne made a number of good tackles. An excellent performance by the Royals, against a strong team. Still unbeaten, the season has got underway in an unexpectedly promising fashion for the Royals. The appetite for more exploits has been wetted. 

Team: Keugler, Riley, Allan, Brayne, Robinson, Hearle, Miles, Green (c), Smith, Bourne, Lewis Subs: Weynberg, Holtz, Agnew