| Date | Saturday 15th April 2017 |
| Match | Royston Town v Aylesbury United |
| Competition | Evostik League Southern: Division One Central |
| Result | Won 5-2 |
| Attendance |
551 |
| Royston Scorers | Scott Bridges, Murray(2), Brathwaite, Fehmi |
| Crows MoM |
Stuart Bridges |
It was all set up for the celebration party and for league champions Royston Town to be presented with the winner’s shield after the league match against Aylesbury United – but after 45 minutes it looked like the Ducks would put a dampener on the afternoon’s proceedings – but a superb second half from the Crows turned the match a full 180 degrees and heightened the fervour for the bumper crowd who collectively enjoyed the match victory and the title winning celebrations afterwards.
The first half was a messy affair with numerous chances at both ends – but only the visitors could convert with two goals from Lea Coulter on 12 and 31 minutes to take a deserved two nil lead into the dressing room.
Jack Sillitoe in the Ducks’ goal made a couple of early decent stops – but most of the Crows’ efforts were straight at him and he dealt with them easily – he was called upon to make a better save on seven minutes when Josh Castiglione wriggled down the left and sent over a low cross that Kaan Fehmi poked goalward but Sillitoe reacted well to deflect away.
The win expectant home crowd were slightly shocked as the visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when Daniel Olusemo crossed in for Sonny French to swing at but his miss-hit fell nicely to Coulter who made no mistake past the exposed Joe Welch. 0-1.
The lead could have very easily been doubled very quickly if it wasn’t for Welch making a good athletic stop.
However, it was doubled on 31 minutes when after a period of Ducks’ pressure they converted another clumsily presented chance when French guided a pass through for Coulter to finish well. 0-2.
This was not in the script and the wounded Crows scuttled knowingly to the dressing room preparing themselves for Castle’s undoubted consternation.
Whatever was said by Castle and Watters certainly did the trick as the whole team stepped up at least two levels to show their championship form and blew the Ducks away to take the win and put the party back on track.
Five minutes in and one goal was pulled back when Scott Bridges, hovering 25 yards out struck a half-cleared ball through the crowded box and accurately into the bottom corner – the crowd certainly sensed a resurgence. 1-2.
Two minutes later and it was all square. Adam Murray – on for Ryan Frater at half-time – ran toward the front post at a Gus Scott-Morriss corner and Murray’s flicked effort took deflection but found the net. 2-2.
It was the 54th minute and the five minute full on blast brought the third goal and again Murray was involved heading down a high ball in and full back Dan Brathwaite was on hand to steer in. 3-2.
The Crows were now in full dominance and control and a slightly soft penalty on 59 minutes gave them further advantage – the ball bounced up sharply to hit Ryan Kinnane’s hand and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Fehmi to slot home his 99th goal for Royston. 4-2.
A second penalty was awarded as substitute Ryan Ingrey – on for John Frendo – was bundled to the ground under clumsy challenge by Nick Kalakoutis and again Fehmi stepped up this time to shoot for his century of goals – it wasn’t to be as Sillitoe chose correctly and made a good diving save to his right-hand side.
Ingrey nearly got on the score-sheet as fellow replacement – Martel Powell – on for Brathwaite – produced some magic and sent over a high ball for Ingrey to head just wide.
A fifth goal was added in the 93rd minute when another Scott-Morriss corner was delivered and this time Murray met it at full speed to power a clean header past the helpless Sillitoe. 5-2.
Final whistle and cue party time – worthy Champion’s Royston Town were presented with the Southern League Central Division Winner’s shield and the champagne infused celebrations were enjoyed by all.
Team: Welch, Scott-Morriss, Brathwaite (Powell), Bridges Sco, Frater (Murray), Bridges Stu, Fehmi, Watkins, Frendo (Ingrey), Towner, Castiglione.
Subs not used – May, Mentis.
