Date	Thursday 12 January 2012
Match	Royston Town v St Neots Town
Competition	Ridgeons Youth League: West Division
Result	Lost 3-2
Royston Scorers	Hall, Booth

St Neots are arguably the most talented team in the midweek league this season and for the most part The Young Crows frustrated them and even led by two goals at the interval. But the visitor's greater experience shone through in the end and a 76th minute winner eventually took the points.

Royston were let down with late withdrawals and unavailability meaning only eleven players were available. Having had so little match practice lately tired limbs proved costly by the second half with no changes available and whereas St Neots did have lively subs to introduce which helped their cause.

After the visitors started lively Royston managed to gradually get on top of the game. Mid-way through the half Jordan Hall looped a header over the keeper from 12 yards from Jake Booth's chipped ball into the area.

Matt Brennan shot just over and Hall had another effort superbly saved before Hall's corner was not cleared and Jake Booth reacted the quickest to slam the ball in from six yards. St Neots hit the post and Owen Bentley made two fine saves before the break but the lead was kept into the interval.

The more experienced St Neots side changed their tactics at half time, playing a more direct game with three players pushed on and pressurised the ball better and in fairness it worked as a tiring Royston team failed to get hold of enough ball to be effective.

The eventual waves of attacks paid dividends with a headed goal on 53 minutes and further fierce strikes on 62 and 76 minutes turning the game around.

The hosts never gave up but were carrying players due to tiredness in the last 20 minutes and never really looked like getting back into the contest.