Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals win battle of the Strettons
Royals 4-1 Red Rovers (League, 10-12-06)
(Green, Groom, Smith, Bourne)

Royals quashed comments that Red Rovers are the main side in the Strettons today, with an emphatic 4-1 win in this local derby. On a heavy pitch and in cold, damp conditions, there was only really one team in it, with the Royals playing some of their best football this season to date.

Royals started with their favoured 3-5-2 formation with Agnew coming in for Riley at right back and Groom starting in place of Carless-Turland.

As soon as the game kicked off Royals stamped their authority on the game, stringing together some neat passing play, much of it one touch, as they had been working on in training.

After just 8 minutes Royals took the lead with a bending shot from Green, which Bartl in the Rovers goal could not reach.

Royals continued to impress with their patient build ups and some delightful passing work between Lewis and Hearle led to Hearle's powerful shot being stroked into the net by Groom, making the score 2-0.

The second half saw more of the same from the Royals. Careful passing of the ball meant that their productivity was far higher than in previous weeks and was a delight to watch. Five minutes into the second period Carless-Turland replaced Groom up front and his skill was nearly rewarded with a goal, but for a well timed challenge from the Rovers' defender.

Twelve minutes into the second half Smith made the score 3-0 with a rising shot from 25 yards flew into the corner of the Rovers goal. Five minutes later Bourne made it 4-0 with a well struck shot from wide on the left.

Robinson then replaced Brayne, who had had another outstanding game at the back and Weynberg replaced Smith.

With 10 minutes remaining Red Rovers scored a consolation goal after Parton out paced Robinson to calmly slot the ball past Holtz in the Royals goal.

Final score was 4-1 to the Royals, with the largest crowd or the season turning out to watch the game. Royals can be pleased with their performance as they played some very good football, the difference being this time that it was against  good opposition.

Team: Holtz, Agnew, Allan, Brayne (Robinson 45), Hearle, Green, Miles, Smith (c) (Weynberg 48), Bourne, Lewis, Groom (Carless-Turland 36)