Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals earn convincing win to set them on their way
Red Rovers 0-5 Royals 4-1  (League, 06-01-07)
(Carless-Turland 2, Bourne, Hearle, OG)

Royals put on a convincing performance in the first game of their Division 1 campaign, defeating local rivals Red Rovers 5-0. In extremely wet conditions on a muddy pitch, they played some delightful football, showing that the Christmas break had not affected their fitness or ability.

The game was switched at the last moment to Russell's Meadow due to Red Rovers home pitch being unplayable having become waterlogged over the last few days.

From the offset Royals took the game to their opponents and battled to regain possession when they lost the ball. Despite the conditions, they did not dive in for tackles, instead patiently waiting for the right moment to challenge for the ball.

Royals played a 3-5-2 formation, with Smith swapping with Carless-Turland and playing as left wing-back, instead of his normal left midfield.

Despite having the better of the first half, it took 20 minutes before the Royals were able to break the deadlock. Hearle received the ball on the half way line and beat his man before chipping a high shot over Bartl in the Rovers' goal.

Royals went in at half time with a 1-0 lead, although if it was not for Bartl, who pulled off some excellent saves, they could have scored 3 or 4 more.

The start of second half saw Riley replace Agnew at right back, with the rest of the team left as it had been. Smith swapped positions with Carless-Turland to his normal left midfield role.

Seven minutes into the second half Bourne was put through by a long ball and outpaced the Rovers' defence. With only the keeper to beat he calmly slot it home to make the score 2-0. Shortly after Groom replaced Bourne to pair Lewis up front.

Keugler was largely untroubled in the Royals goal and on the few occasions he was called upon, he showed his confidence and skill at dealing with the Rovers' attacks.

Royals were now playing with a maturity beyond their years and 3 minutes later Miles won the ball in the centre of the pitch and steered a beautiful pass to the feet of Carless-Turland who shot hard and low past Bartl to make it 3-0.

Robinson and Weynberg replaced Brayne and Green with approximately 15 minutes to go.

Royals 4th goal came from a piece of good fortune. Hearle whipped in a cross from the right hand side, and the ball was sliced into the goal quite spectacularly by the unfortunate Watts.

The final goal was a fine solo effort from Carless-Turland who received the ball on the left hand side, beat his man and then cut into the penalty area. beating two more players, before he forced the ball into the back of the net.

All in all, a great start to the Royals Division 1 campaign, and a spirited performance in difficult conditions, with some very encouraging team play.

Team: Keugler, Agnew (Riley 30), Allan, Brayne (Robinson 45), Hearle, Green (c) (Weynberg 48), Miles, Smith (Brayne 59), Carless-Turland Bourne (Groom 40), Lewis