Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals out-muscled by Eagles strength
Royals 0-3 Onny Eagles (Ian Hughes Cup Final, 10-05-07)

An overcast sky with a slight drizzle greeted the Royals when they arrived at Ludlow's SBS Stadium for the first of two cup finals against the unbeaten, top of the league, Onny Eagles. The Onny Eagles players were all a year older than the Royals and at that age it makes a big difference. The Royals were therefore the underdogs. On the main pitch of the SBS Stadium speed was of particular importance because of the bigger area that had to be covered. It was nonetheless an interesting match with the Royals playing some excellent football in the second half. 

The Royals made a bright start attacking the Onny goal from the whistle. Lewis even had a chance to put the Royals ahead with a shot across the goal mouth which went inches wide. But Onny soon found their feet and the Royals goal came under siege. Quick to the ball, the Onny midfield made it difficult for the Royals to beak out into the Onny half. Onny secured a long series of corners as the Royals defended as best they could. From one of the many Onny attacks a goal was scored about half way through the first half. But the desperate defending and two good saves by Holtz kept it at that one goal by half time. The Royals back four of Riley, Brayne, Robinson and Agnew worked their socks off. In midfield too Miles and Weynberg also battled to frustrate the Onny attackers. But it was an uphill task. The Royals were only able to make a few attacks on the Onny goal and no real goal scoring opportunity presented itself. 

In the second half Green and Smith replaced Weynberg and Groom. Early on the Onny Eagles launched a number of fierce attacks on the Royals goal and two goals were scored in quick succession. This was followed by an excellent spell by the Royals, undaunted by the three goal deficit. The assiduous Lewis charged down an Onny goal kick and the ball nearly trickled into the net. Some brilliant passing movements were strung together, many initiated by Smith. Hearle worked tirelessly on the right flank and was one Royals player who could outrun the opposition. A number of scoring opportunities were created. A free kick taken by Green created confusion in front of the Onny goal but a defender eventually managed to clear. Carless-Turland outmaneuvered two big defenders but his shot on goal went just wide. With a bit of luck several could have gone in. But, opposed by bigger lads, even the good passing movements of the Royals made it difficult to create many clear scoring opportunities. 

Towards the end of the game the Royals were pressing hard for a consolation goal and, given another few minutes, may well have succeeded. After this performance by the Royals, Onny can not be assured of winning the second cup final when the Royals will be at full strength.

Team: Holtz, Riley (Groom 50), Agnew, Brayne, Robinson (Weynberg 57), Hearle, Weynberg (Smith 30), Miles, Carless-Turland, Groom (Smith 30), Lewis.