Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals come out fighting to prove point
Tenbury 0-13 Royals (Cup 2nd Rnd, 12-11-06)
(Bourne 6, Smith 2, Miles 2, Green, Carless-Turland, Hearle)

In glorious autumnal weather the Royals travelled to Tenbury to face a team they overwhelmed in a game earlier in the season. This time it was a cup game, adding an element of spice as only the winner proceeds to the next round. Captain Smith won the toss and decided to play up hill in the first half. This did not prove much of a handicap at all. The Royals scored their first goal within the first minute of the game. This was followed by a string of further goals. It was somewhat embarrassing to see the Royals cut through the Tenbury defence with consummate ease time after time. When the whistle for half time finally came, the goal tally had reached ten. Good passing, determined running and great individual skill by the Royals players were beyond the Tenbury defenders' ability to withstand. 

With the pitch particularly long, Tenbury's goal kicks failed to reach the half way line and were often intercepted by a Royals player who then proceeded to launch yet another attack. Bourne had a field day. Thanks to his speed and excellent technique he scored six times. Miles too shone with two goals, one a powerful header from an excellent corner kick by Green. Also in excellent form were Smith who netted twice and Carless-Turland and Hearle, each scoring a goal. 

Occasionally the Tenbury forwards broke into the Royals' half, but were up against a solid defence. Brayne in particular proved a tough obstacle to further progress. The few times the ball was kicked beyond the Royals' defenders, Keugler was quick off his line to boot the ball back into Tenbury's half. 

In the second half Manager Smith changed the team around, using all the subs. Though playing down hill, the regrouped Royals' attack was not as dominant as in the first half and only three more goals were scored. Tenbury had somewhat more of the game, though not to the extent of actually scoring a goal. A number of times they did break through with a long ball forward. However Keugler was always raring to charge forward and he was usually the first to the ball. The one time he did not, the Tenbury striker shot straight into his arms, Tenbury's only real chance to score. 

An excellent performance by the Royals who came out all guns blazing, albeit against a very weak team. Hopefully this will stand them in good stead in their toughest test of the season when they meet Onny Eagles this coming weekend.

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