| Date | Tuesday 10 May 2011 |
| Match | Royston Town Vets v Cambridge University Press Vets |
| Competition | Cambs Vets Invitation Cup Final |
| Result | Won 4-2 on penalties (1-1 at 90mins) |
| Royston Scorers | Saggers |
Town Vets finished their season in fine style to lift the Cambs Vets Invitation Cup in an entertaining but closely fought final against Cambridge University Press at Cambridge City’s ground on Tuesday night. The match was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes but Town won an exciting penalty shoot-out 4-2.
Press started strongly with good passing and movement but it was Town who carved out the first opening. The impressive Kevin Barthrop cut in from the right wing and instead of crossing to the unmarked Peter Leete he elected to shoot and failed to beat the ‘keeper. Press then had a glorious opportunity to score when a forward eluded Town’s defence but his shot was brilliantly saved by ‘keeper Simon Dobson. Although both teams created further openings the half ended goal-less.
The second half started much the same as the first had ended with both teams playing attractive football but unable to convert any of the chances created. The deadlock was broken on the hour mark when Press won a corner down their left. The resultant kick was swung into the six-yard area but in trying to save Dobson could only palm the ball over his head into the goal. With Nick Humphries making good use of the ball down the left and Leete and Dave Daniels beginning to pose problems for the previously assured Press defence Town began to take control of the game. After concerted pressure on the Press defence the ball broke to midfielder Mark Saggers and after his first shot was parried by the ‘keeper he made no mistake with the follow-up as he blasted an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net to give Town a deserved equaliser.
As neither side could find the winner after 90 minutes the match was finally decided by a penalty shoot-out. Paul Lewis continued his fine record from the spot to put Town 1-0 up and Press then blasted their first spot kick over the bar. John Moulding struck his kick firmly but it hit the left post and rebounded out. Press then levelled at 1-1 with an excellent spot kick and Town went ahead again when Carlo Silenti beat the ‘keeper down the middle. Press then levelled at 2-2 before Saggers was successful with his kick to put Town 3-2 ahead. Press missed again and it was left to Leete to convert his kick – which he duly did – to give Town an unassailable 4-2 lead.
The game was an excellent advert for high quality Vets football and was well served by the Cambs FA-appointed referee and assistants.
Town Vets first venture into the competition had proved a successful one.
Royston Town Vets: S.Dobson, A. Smith (N. King 75), M.McQueen (S.Brown 45), S. Moulding, G.Pinner (N.Humphries 45), M.Saggers, J.Moulding, K.Barthrop, C.Silenti, P.Leete, P.Lewis (D.Daniels 45), I.Allen.
