| Date | Saturday 11 August 2012 |
| Match | Royston Town v St Albans City |
| Competition | Herts Charity Cup (R1) |
| Result | Lost 3-2 |
| Royston Scorers | Matt Standen, Martin Standen |
| Attendance |
98 |
The scoreline suggests a close game but overall it was a disappointing performance from The Crows who only added some respectability with two late goals after being second best in the contest for long periods.
Probably more disappointing was the fact Paul Attfield's side were almost back to full strength after a number of games with absentees and for the most part the gulf of a one league difference between the sides was evident.
The Crows really struggled to find anything positive in their game in the first half. They struggled to find rhythm and quality with their normally efficient passing game excessively ragged to a degree that they created themselves no goal scoring opportunities in the first half.
As expected St Albans were well drilled and powerful and pounced on often made mistakes to pressure the home goal. Chances came and went with Will Norris and the defence were often called upon to make last ditch interventions.
A headed goal on 30 minutes and a close range finish from a corner just before half time gave City a more than deserved half time lead with room for much improvement from the home side.
That improvement only materialised on 60 minutes when a triple substitution gave The Crows an added spring. However before that City extended their lead when they strolled through the home defensive unit leaving Norris exposed for a simple one on one execution.
Ross Collins and Rhys Lawrence both installed some exuberance into Royston's game in the latter stages and with 15 minutes remaining Matt Standen raced onto a poor back pass to score with ease.
Collins and Jack Bradshaw both shot over from distance as time passed by before Martin Standen scored with a wonderful powered header into the top corner from 18 yards following a free kick in injury time.
There was little time to press home any equaliser prospects and whilst The Crows finished the game well they will have to find a better overall performance for their first league game at Thatcham Town next weekend
Team: Norris, Endacott, Bradshaw, Martin Standen, Wilson (Delasalle), Ingrey, Edwards (Collins), Lockett, Matt Standen, Fehmi (Lawrence) – Unused: Bronti
