Royston M2 (3) - (2) Stevenage M3

Stevenage had the misfortune to lose their goal keeper before the game and opted to play with an extra outfield player. The decision to field an extra player worked in their favor as they dominated the early exchanges by crowding the middle of the pitch against a slow starting Royston side. The continued pressure resulted in a short corner for Stevenage which they converted with a well directed shot to the right of the keeper. As the half progressed Royston slowly adjusted to the pace of the game and started to put Stevenage under some pressure. Their efforts were rewarded with a short corner, the first strike was stopped, but the resulting second short corner was well worked to allow Alex Marinkovic to bring Royston level.
The second half started well for Royston with them using the full width of the pitch and a well worked move down the right was calmly finished by Wes Trotti to give the home side the lead. Royston continued to press, but a quick break from Stevenage resulted in a short corner. Although the first shot was blocked by the impressive Ian Harper the second shot went in off the crossbar to bring Stevenage level. A competitive period of play resulted in Alex Marinkovic initially receiving a green card for a stick tackle that was then upgraded to a yellow. In the final period Royston again produced a well worked move allowing Wes Trotti to finish clinically for a second time in the half to give Royston the lead. Stevenage then pressed hard to the end but were unable to breach the defense controlled by MOM Ian Harper.
DOTD was awarded to Alex Marinkovic for managing to upgrading his green card to yellow.