Date | Tuesday 21 February 2012 |
Match | Royston Town v Tring Athletic |
Competition | Molten Spartan South Midlands Football League: Premier Division Cup Semi-Final |
Result | Won 1-0 |
Royston Scorers | Bradshaw |
Man of Match | Will Norris |
Attendance | 73 |
The Crows bounced back from Saturday's disappointment by progressing to the Premier Division Cup Final on Tuesday evening. By all accounts this was a pretty drab game and more of a battle but a late deflected effort from centre half Jack Bradshaw was enough to see The Crows through to a final against either St Margaretsbury or Dunstable Town in May.
There were changes from Saturday’s game with Jason Beck, Lewis Endacott and Tom Malins all missing through illness or injury but Ryan Lockett and Luke Robins both returned with places on the bench.
The first half saw Royston have lots of possession but lacking any penetration in open play few chances were created. Their best chances came from set plays with both Martin Standen and John McGrandles heading over and Kaan Fehmi blasting a 25 yard free kick over as well. At the other end Royston were mostly untroubled with Will Norris not called on to make any saves and the half remained goal less
Unfortunately the second half continued in the same vein with few opportunities created until mid-way through the half when Tring were awarded a penalty for a clear foul in the area but Will Norris dived full length to tip around the well struck kick. In the next 3 minutes Norris made two other fine blocks as Royston struggled to get a foot hold
Six bookings were issued by a picky referee in the game with no poor challenges ever witnessed and a second yellow card for a Tring player for a foul saw the visitors reduced to ten men.
With the game seemingly heading for extra time Royston got what proved to be the winner in the 85th minute when Jack Bradshaw picked up a loose ball 25 yards out with his shot striking a defender and looping over the head of the wrong footed keeper and into the net. The Crows suddenly came to life and could have added to their tally.
Luke Robins had a fine 18 yard half volley tipped aside at full length by the keeper and a Robins cross was headed wide by a well-placed Ricky Young moments from the end but the late goal had left Tring with too much to do
Team: Norris, Clemo, A.Fehmi, Bradshaw, McGrandles, Martin Standen, Edwards, Young, Matt Standen (Lockett), K. Fehmi (Collins), Lawrence (Robins) Unused: Plowright.