Royals Match Report 2006-07

Coreley outclassed by skilful Royals
Coreley 1-10 Royals (cup 1^st round, 01-10-06)
(Bourne 2, Lewis, Miles, Carless-Turland 2, Agnew, o.g., Robinson, Allan)

Royals traveled to Coreley for this fist round cup tie. A full squad was available with the exception of Smith who had an injured ankle. Coreley have in the past been a hard team to beat, but this time the Royals proved too skilful. Even though playing uphill, the Royals dominated from the starting whistle, driving forward and putting pressure on the Coreley defence. At first the good passing movements in the build-up tended to break down near the goal as Coreley defended deeply and packed the space in front of goal. Various corners won by the Royals also failed to produce a result. But with all their possession and skill on the ball it was only a matter of time before they scored. It fell to Bourne to open the Royals account. The ball was passed to him on the left, unmarked, he had time to steady himself and unleash a strong shot which was well beyond the Coreley keeper's grasp. Barely a minute later the second goal came. This time Bourne was the provider. Racing down the left flank, skilfully skipping past defenders, he stroked the ball neatly into the path of Lewis, who stormed forward and shot passed the out coming keeper. 

The rain stopped, the sun came out and the Royals were rampant. The Coreley defence lost heart. By half time two more goals were scored. Bourne scored his second, followed by an excellent goal from Miles. The Royals were now passing the ball with assurance and at speed causing the Coreley defence all sorts of problems. Half time came with the Royals four goals to the good and very much on top. The few times Coreley broke into the Royals half they came up against a resolute defence, leaving keeper Holtz with little to do other than scooping up the odd ball. 

In the second half the substitutes were given their chance to shine. In defence Weynberg replaced Robinson and in front Groom and Carless-Turland replaced Lewis and Bourne. The Royals now had the added benefit of playing downhill and six more goals were scored. Nifty Carless-Turland was quick to make his presence felt on the left wing, scoring the first two goals of the second half. Agnew was next on the score sheet. Robinson came back on when Riley was injured in a clash with an opponent. Keugler replaced Green in mid-field and hard running Hearle made way for Bourne, returning to the attack. An own goal made it 0-8. Untroubled by the Coreley attack, the Royals defenders moved up field and the final two goals came from them. Robinson scored from close range while Allan let loose a mighty shot from quite far out. Coreley did have somewhat more of the ball in the final phase of the game and succeeded in pulling one goal back.

The Royals thus remain unbeaten. They have improved with every game and are now playing with great maturity. They pass the ball well, hold their positions and cover for each other. All in all they played really good football.

Team: Cameron Holtz, Simon Riley, Michael Brayne, Jacob Allen, Dominic Robinson, Jack Agnew, Sam Green, Luke Miles, Joe Hearle, Tom Lewis, Will Bourne; Subs used Michael Weynberg, Craig Keugler, Ed Groom, Harvey Carless-Turland.