Royals Match Report 2006-07

Royals class shows through in dramatic final
Royals 3-2 Onny Eagles (Matthew Evans Cup Final, 24-05-07)

In contrast to the dull sky and light drizzle of their previous cup final, the Matthew Evans cup final, once more against the unbeaten Onny Eagles started off in bright evening sunshine. It certainly turned out a sunny game for the Royals who played at their brilliant best. The second half of the first cup final had already shown what the Royals were capable of. This time not only their footballing capabilities, but their courage and fighting spirit were in full display. 

Early on in the first half the Royals came under considerable pressure from  Onny whose usually good passing game was, however, disrupted by the determined Royals defence. They won a long series of corners and had a number of shots on goal. For a time it looked as if a goal was imminent. But, at least in part due to pressure exerted by the Royals defence, their finishing was wayward. As the first half wore on the Royals began to have more of the game and launched a number of attacks. Miles launched a powerful shot on goal from 20 yeards which, however, went straight into the arms of the Onny goal keeper. A long pass forward set Lewis off on a run towards goal and he was only just beaten to the ball by the out-coming Onny keeper. 

As the first half neared its end the Royals were having the better of the game. It thus came as a disappointment when Onny did score in the dying minutes. A mistake by the Royals defence failed to clear an attack by Onny. The ball ran loose in the Royals box and a fierce shot by their striker was pushed away by Keugler. But another Onny striker was the first to the loose ball and tapped the ball into the back of the net.

A disappointing end to the first half after the Royals had started to play better and better while the opposition appeared somewhat jaded.

The second half was barely underway when Onny Eagles scored their second goal. It was a beautiful move which started back deep in their own half. The ball was passed forward quickly, splitting the Royals defence and a fast running Onny striker was on to it and shot into the corner of the net, giving keeper Keugler no chance.

Immediately after this second goal Groom replaced Riley to boost Royals' attacking options. Rather than let their heads hang, the Royals reacted vigorously and pulled one back. A high ball was kicked into the Onny box from the left, causing confusion in the Onny defence. The ball ran loose, Bourne was on it first and steered it into the back of the net. The Royals were now playing with only three at the back. The flood lights had come on and the sun was disappearing below the horizon. 

The Royals, invigorated by their goal, were more fired up then ever, playing their heart out. The tension mounted with the Royals now constantly on attack and a well deserved goal resulted. Bourne chipped the ball in beautifully from near the Onny left corner flag after beating a defender. Lewis was waiting for it in front of goal and tucked it away nicely to even the score. Extra time followed. In the first half the Royals kept up the pressure, and, perhaps because of the tension, a goal keeping error by the Onny keeper brought the winning goal for the Royals. Under pressure an Onny defender passed the ball back to his keeper who sliced his kick and the ball trickled over the goal line. Rather unfortunate for Onny, but the Royals fully deserved their little bit of luck. They put on an exhilarating performance against a team which was a year older and hence bigger, stronger and faster. Every Royals player played superbly and it must have been hard to find the "man of the match". The honour fell to defender Dominic Robinson.

Team: Keugler, Riley (Groom 35), Agnew, Brayne, Robinson , Bourne, Green, Miles, Smith, Carless-Turland (Weynberg 70), Lewis. Sub Not Used: Holtz