M3 v Shefford & Sandy M3

After a stuttering start the game kicked into action when Royston found their rhythm 10 minutes in and started putting good passes together, leading to a well worked attack down the right which James Parsley put in at the back post. Thereafter Royston held the ascendancy for most of the first half, but S&S managed an equaliser from a defensive lapse from their first real chance of the game.
The second half started brightly but S&S were the better organised side and two breakaway goals quickly made the scoreline 3-1 to them. Royston doubled their efforts in attack and pushed S&S back, securing a penalty flick which Patrick Jordan converted. Having fought their way back to 2-3, Royston were looking the better side, testing S&S' GK who made several crucial saves, until another breakaway from S&S made the scoreline 4-2. 5 minutes later Jim Rees fired a ball in from the right side of the 23 yard line and James Watson scored an excellent one touch goal. 4-3 and all to play for! Royston pushed and pushed and a cross from the right hand side found Alex Causton at the top of the D and his first time slap went past the GK at head height into the back of the net. 4-4, and the last 8 minutes were full on for the win but the final touch just wasn't there, meanwhile some steadfast defending negated the S&S efforts.
A really good match played in an excellent spirit and a result neither side could feel bad about.