EAGLES 5-1 ELSENHAM

Despite the chilly wind, Eagles warmed up for their County Cup semi final with a convincing win.

Kicking with the stiff breeze in the first half allowed the home side to be all but out of sight by the break and some of their football was fantastic.

The first 10 or so minutes of the second period weren’t, but that was a small blemish on an otherwise impressive performance in conditions which became more difficult as the morning went on.

Royston made the perfect start when Archie Macleod played in Kian Harness in the fifth minute and the Elsenham goalkeeper could not keep out his well-struck shot.

Macleod, who was influential throughout the game, was also involved in the second when he found space in the box and the ball then fell for Sean Blois to score from close range.

Confirmation that it was all going the Eagles’ way came when Anthony Georgiou’s attempted cross turned into an unstoppable shot which dipped over the Elsenham goalkeeper.

Macleod claimed the goal he richly deserved when Logan Downie charged down the left and clipped in a cross which was volleyed home.

So, 4-0 at half time. But there was no room for complacency, especially since the wind which had been a factor in the first half became stronger and gustier during the interval.

Coaches Macleod and McGlynn  told their players to keep the ball on the deck. In their wisdom, the players ignored that instruction for some time.

Elsenham hit the bar and went close twice more before the penny dropped and the first of a number of excellent one or two-touch passing moves ended with Downie making it 5-0.

The visitors claimed the goal which their refusal to give up definitely deserved but the Eagles could and probably should have ended up as more handsome winners.

Blois, Harness, Downie and Macleod all went close to putting the finishing touch to some superb football which bodes well for next weekend’s big game.

So does the return of Jacob Schroeder, whose composure in defence was needed at times as the wind helped drive Elsenham on in the second half.

Georgiou deserved his man of the match award for a tireless, busy and inventive display.

But once again this was about a whole team and squad putting in the effort required to make their class tell. More of the same, and a final is theirs for the taking.

Team: Jacob McGlynn, Owen Maslen, Jacob Schroeder, George Palmer, Will Hamblin, Sean Blois, Archie MacLeod, Coner Caughtry, Logan Downie, Kian Harness, Anthony Georgiou, Sam Fage, Ethan Karpuk.