Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals stake claim to division 1 place
Royals 3-1 Craven Arms (League, 03-121-06)
(Lewis 2, Green)

A cold but sunny morning greeted the Royals team for their derby match against Craven Arms. For the first time in several weeks Royals had a fully fit squad to choose from. Royals won the toss and elected to play with the wind behind them in the first half. This advantage was not taken and despite near misses by Smith and Carless-Turland, it was Craven Arms who scored first with a well crafted goal. The ball was passed to an unmarked Craven Arms striker positioned to the left of Holtz's goal. He took his time steadying himself and then calmly hoisted the ball into the top of the net. 

On 22 minutes Royals were awarded a free kick for hand ball, a few yards outside the Craven Arms penalty area. Green struck a fierce shot which just dipped below the cross bar giving the Craven Arms keeper no chance and making the score 1-1. 

Royals found most of their attacking play was thwarted by a strong and resolute Craven Arms defence and they found it difficult to maintain possession for any length of time. Craven Arms however, played the better passing game and it was only thanks to a determined Royals defence that they did not score again. 

The second half brought Allan on for Riley in defence. With it came a clear improvement for the Royals, though they were still not at their best. Passing improved and the Royals spent more time in the Craven Arms half.

Groom then replaced Carless-Turland, with Smith moving over to the left wing and Bourne playing upfront alongside Lewis. Agnew also replaced Robinson in defence. Royals then started to play some excellent football and virtually camped in the Craven Arms half for much of the period.

Royals second goal came after Hearle broke down the right wing and used his pace to beat two defenders. A low cross found Lewis waiting to guide the ball into the back of the net. Smith nearly made it 3 just 2 minutes late, as his 20 yard effort came off the crossbar.

Lewis made sure of the points after the ball was passed to him inside the box and he powered it past the keeper, into the goal of the upright.

In the end it was a reasonably clear victory for the Royals, but they made hard work of it. There is considerable room for improvement which is needed now that the Royals have clinched their place in Division.

Team: Holtz, Riley (Allan 30), Brayne, Robinson (Agnew 45), Hearle, Green (Weynberg 50), Miles, Smith, Bourne, Lewis, Carless-Turland (Groom 40)

Subs: not used: Keugler