Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals through to Cup Final
Royals 5-2 Red Rovers (Div 1 Cup, 25-03-07)
(Bourne 4, Lewis)

Though the Royals had achieved a number of relatively easy wins against neighbouring Red Rovers, another win was by no means assured. Red Rovers were this time at full strength and were enjoying a good run with a number of impressive victories in recent weeks. The stage was therefore set for a typical cup tie.

The game started off at a furious pace and somewhat surprisingly the Royals found themselves two goals up within eight minutes. Bourne latched on to an astute long kick forward by Miles and beat the Red Rovers keeper to make it 1-0. Minutes later Bourne headed in from a well executed corner kick by Hearle. It seamed too easy, and it was. The Red Rovers fought back fiercely and it became an intensive and absorbing contest. The Red Rovers forwards displayed their considerable skill and there were some astute passing movements. It came as no surprise when Van Doesberg was left unmarked at the back post to slot home with ease, making the score 2-1. 

The Royals forwards did not lack skills either and an intricate passing movement just outside the Red Rovers penalty area caught the Red Rovers defence out and Bourne managed to score his third. The Red Rovers response was not long in coming. This time it was the turn of the Royals defence to be caught napping by a rapid passing movement which ended with Parton smashing the ball into the back of the Royals net. The first half ended with the Royals only just hanging on to their one goal lead. Some excellent play on both sides made for an enthralling battle which had the spectators spellbound. 

At half time Keugler, Smith, Green and Groom replaced Holtz, Agnew, Weinberg and Carless-Turland, changing the formation to the preferred 3-5-2. 

The second half provided a somewhat less fierce battle. It became a less intense game. Quite early on the Royals were awarded a penalty which Bourne put away with ease to make it 4-2. This was followed by a goal by Lewis. Trailing by two goals the Red Rovers may have lost a little heart. Not that they did not have scoring opportunities. One fierce shot on goal produced a spectacular diving save by Keugler. But that apart the Royals goal keeper was not unduly troubled.

The Royals defence worked very hard and if the Red Rovers were kept at bay it was due to the tenacity of the Royals back three. They fought for every ball and frustrated the talented Red Rovers front line on numerous occasions. Miles was outstanding in mid field. It was at the back that the Red Rovers failed to hold their own against a Royals attack which played with panache. Indeed it could have been 6-2. A powerful free kick from Green hit the underside of the cross bar and appeared to bounce inside the line before being cleared. But the referee did not see it that way. 

All in all an excellent result for the Royals. They all played exceptionally hard against a team which produced some great attacking football and booked their place in their first final of the season.

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