Date | Tuesday 6 December 2011 |
Match | Royston Town v St. Margarestbury |
Competition | Herts FA Senior Challenge Cup: Second Round |
Result | Won 2-1 |
Royston Scorers | Matt Standen(2) |
Man of Match | – |
Attendance | 61 |
An excellent last 25 minutes of play from The Crows saw them overcome a goal deficit to win and gain a place in the quarter final of the County Senior Cup. Paul Attfield was forced into some changes with injuries from Saturday's FA vase win at Haringey Borough but overall made seven changes from the same team.
Overall Royston played a poor first half, lacking real urgency and often giving up possession or being caught offside. Their opponents looked the positive and took a lead midway through the half when a fierce low cross deflected off David Cain past the wrong footed Will Norris at the near post.
The second half was far better from Royston's point of view with better team and ball movement helped by a attack minded formation change. They were still indebted to Will Norris who made one superb block from a close range half volley early on but gradually stamped their authority on the match.
The introduction of Tom Malins and Matt Standen midway through the half was a big turning point and with 18 minutes remaining a great run and cross from Luke Robins set up Standen to convert from ten yards.
The pressure continued with Standen, Rhys Lawrence and Tom Malins denied by the goalkeeper and Robins shooting over when well positioned. The pressure told with six minutes left though when Lawrence threaded a neat ball through to Standen who fired past the exposed keeper.
There was hardly even time for St Margaretsbury to react and despite a couple of late delivered set plays Royston saw the game out with relative ease.
Team: Norris, Clemo, Apostolos, Cain, Beck (capt), Lawrence, Edwards, Young (Malins), K. Fehmi (Matt Standen), Lockett, Robins. Unused: Easley