Royals Match Report 2006-07

Dead heat in last league game of campaign
Presteigne North 0-0 Royals (League, 04-05-07)

A glorious early summer evening saw the Royals travel to Presteigne to play the final league game of the season against Presteigne North. The game was played at the Presteigne Football Club's ground, a full sized pitch. Both teams adapted well to the big pitch and the Royals in particular produced some good long balls into the open spaces, provided by the large field, for their team mates to run onto. It proved a good game in spite of the absence of goals. The absence of goals was a surprise as the large goals provided such a big target. There were, however, a number of near misses. 

The Royals played against the setting sun in the first half, making it at times difficult to follow the ball. Both teams played at a brisk pace with a series of attacks on each other's goals. Groom produced a robust shot on goal from quite far out which, though, sailed straight into the arms of the Presteigne goal keeper. A promising breakthrough by Hearle on the right flank was ruled off side. A shot on goal by Smith lacked power and was fielded by the goal keeper. At the other end Presteigne shot the ball beyond the Royals defence a couple of times but Holtz was able to come out and throw himself onto the ball. Generally, and for both sides, moves tended to peter out in the penalty area. Neither the Royals nor Presteigne were able to produce a killer shot. The first half thus ended with the honours shared. 

For the second half Keugler replaced Holtz in goal and Green came on for Weynberg. Some ten minutes into the half Lewis replaced Groom. In the early part of the half Presteigne almost scored when one of their strikers broke through on the left flank and unleashed a strong high shot which, fortunately for the Royals, hit the cross bar and bounced clear. This was though their only real scoring opportunity and Keugler had a relatively quiet time in goal. The introduction of Lewis gave the Royals more penetrating power and as the half wore on the Royals began to exert their superiority. But the Royals strikers still failed to make use of the opportunities provided by the big goal, preferring to get into closer range. They did indeed succeed a number of times to breakthrough but each time shot wide or straight at the keeper. Carless-Turland, Lewis and Hearle all had opportunities to score, but on this day none of the shots found the back of the net. 

The game thus ended undecided. It was nonetheless a good game with both sides producing some good passing movements. The Royals produced some excellent passes which should stand them in good stead in the two cup games ahead, also to be played on big pitches.

Team: Holtz (Keugler 30), Riley (Groom 55), Agnew, Brayne, Robinson, Hearle, Weynberg (Green 30), Miles, Smith, Carless-Turland , Groom (Lewis 40).