Date	Sunday 15th September 2013
Match	Sawbridgeworth Town Youth v Royston Town Youth Colts
Competition	Royston Crow Youth Football League U13 Division 3
Result	Won 1-7
Royston Scorers	Chris 2, Jack W 2, Jack Di 2, Brad

First league game of the season, and to an away fixture at Sawbridgeworth.

What was forecast to be a windy and rainy day turned out to be still and sunny and perfect conditions for the lads to settle into a comfortable amount of possession in the first tens minutes.

'They say lightning doesn't strike twice' but it did for The Crows, in a similar heavy handed challenge to that which took place the weekend before in Sandridge, again happened here! Coming together of three of our defenders and a lone Sawbridgeworth player resulted in an early penalty. The only difference this weekend was that the penalty was taken with great professionalism and slotted to Bradley's far right and out of reach. 1-0 to Sawbridgeworth.

It's fair to say that the team of old would have dropped there heads and lost sight of the task in hand, but our team have come a long way with a new found maturity, strength and determination.

From kick off, we seemed to be finding our feet passing the ball with the end player being Chris Fage receiving a number of balls on the right, charging down the wing and smashing at goal, through efforts of there keeper and a couple of near misses we weren't hitting the target.

Sawbridgeworth goal kicks weren't making much headway down the pitch allowing our midfield to control the ball get it down and make some damaging runs, one of which fell out to Chris on the right, who this time charged at goal and managed to score with a left footed curling strike which beat the keeper. 1-1

Heads held high this raised the teams spirits, and I have to say every single player put in a shift, as every time we advanced Sawbridgeworth were back on the counter act.

Second goal came from Wilko on the left the ball seemed to float, then dip quickly to beat the keeper, a great strike picking off from range. 2-1 to Royston.

We managed another put away with precision by Dicko just before half time curled in from a corner kick. 3-1

Brad was substituted half time due to illness, and we have found it great this season to be able to roll players on and off and seeing the effect of refreshing the game.

James took up the mantle of goalkeeper in the second half, not being particularly stretched through having to shot stop, but confidently fed the ball to build play when needed.

During the second half in quick succession we then see some great goals from Wilko and Dicko. 5-1

Both Josh and Jake rattled the goal with shots hitting the crossbar.

With a comfortable lead on our opponents we had the luxury of changing our 3 up front, with Brad, Wilko and Chris coming on, Chris made his presence known with a goal from the left from range 6-1.

Wilko picked up an injury to his knee and was replaced by Dicko who's presence was felt straight away, a great drive to goal with the shoulder down by Dicko resulted in a shot that bobbled out the keepers hands through his legs for Brad to scoop in for a follow up, 7-1.

When looking back on the game it's easy to focus on the result, the goals, the scorers…..however I cannot go on enough about how much of a great all round team performance this game was, and without a mention to Dan for never giving up, and assisting his teams mates with the 'right' ball.
Toby, Callum A, Lewis R and Lewis M for great communication at the back and standing there ground when Sawbridgeworth broke.

Zack and Joseph, who both have not been in form recently but showed there true potential and proved there worth in our team. And David who although new to the team is fitting in well with the lads and getting stuck in, while always having an eye on goal looking for his chance.
Great game boys well done!

Team sheet:
Jack W, Danny, Toby, Jack D, Zack, Callum A, Jake, Lewis M, David, Chris, James, Joseph, Lewis R, Josh, Brad