Royston 2XI Vs West Herts 4XI Result 0-3

Royston turned up to the match hungry to do well and build on a promising league start of one win and one draw. With 4 regular team players away this week there was a fresh-looking squad with a number of juniors up from the 3s and the promise of a high energy game. There were 2 key objectives for the game which were set at the start of the season: strong basics and an attacking style.

Unfortunately the 1st half was left wanting by the home side with Royston being forced into reactive defending meaning the home side was often on the back foot despite having looked good going forward. West Herts hit Royston on the break on 3 occasions and scored 2 unremarkable goals, the 2nd of which came from a long run without a successful Royston tackle and a track back along the by-line before a lay-off to a waiting player. At 0-2 at half time it was clear that the home side needed to sharpen up its passing to make good on the promising attacking play with some goals.

The 2nd half was generally better with Royston continuing to attack well, breaking through players and putting men behind the ball to drive forward in numbers. This resulted in several chances, at least 2 of which should have been slotted home. A goal-line stop on the back of the stick even led to a flick although oddly no card for the defender. The home umpires were left with the opportunity to explain that in their own time at the bar....there were rumours of a reference to 'double jeopardy' at the post-match teas meaning that the umpires felt the flick was enough punishment for the deed. This was an argument which, whilst no doubt well intentioned, lacks credibility in the mind of this author and 2XI skipper (being one and the same with no bias whatsoever), has little if any reference to the rules of the game, and should arguably have led to a post-vote DOTD late entry for Beeve (!). Clearly given the score, the flick was not converted by Jake although kudos for stepping up to the plate given the taker hadn't been pre-agreed. Soon after a 3rd goal from West Herts put the game to bed with Royston unable to mount an attack resulting in a goal.

The main issue for the home team was delivering on 1 objective rather than 2: whilst they successfully played with an attacking style, the basics were not strong enough as regards to passing under pressure and man-marking, especially when tracking back. These are 2 key areas to work on at training along with short corners where a lack of routines and new personnel meant more structure is needed in the coming weeks. The scoreline has flattered the opposition and Royston looked good moving forward but it's clear that more work is needed on strong basics and positioning on the pitch. With improvement here, and a continued attacking style, the goals will come and the results with them.

Congratulations to Roger who won the Man of the Match with an overwhelming majority following a solid game at the back.