This was only our second victory on the road in the league this season but it was as hard earned as any other points we have claimed this term. At times the football we played was as sharp and dynamic than on any other occasion and with a little more composure in front of goal we may well have won with more ease than we actually did. After building up a three goal lead with four outstanding finishes we then seemed to switch off and before we knew it we were scrapping to stay ahead in the dying minutes.The game opened with both sides testing one anothers resolve with some shots from distance with neither team inflicting any damage, Ned was finding time and space on the right but was unable to pick out a striker when the time was right. Sam stung the keepers hands with our first shot of note and soon after the first big moment of the game arrived. Dominic slipped while trying to clear under pressure and inadvertantly brought down the Yarnton forward to concede a penalty. Isaac watched like a hawk and went down to his right to save well, giving us just the tonic we needed. From this moment on a new invigorated Royals kicked into life. Charlie picked out another Ned run down the right flank and the wingers cross could only be scrambled out as far as Dan. Dan jinked inside his marker before feeding Sam and Sam set himself before smashing home the opening goal. With our tails up we pushed again, Tom found Charlie in space and Charlie clipped a lovely ball into Georges stride with the same stunning finish that we had seen from Sam moments before. All over the pitch we were witnessing confident and commanding play. Isaac handled every situation with a cool head and in front of him our defence of Dom ,Tom , Luke and in particular Harlie were dominatinting the proceedings. Harlie showed a new, tough and resillient side to his game mixed with a willingness to keep the ball on the park and always offered an outlet to Ned in front of him. Joe and Dan continued to fight hard for possesion in the middle of the park with their two wingers benefiting from good supply. We came in at the break in debt to Isaac and bouyed by two fine strikes.
The second half began as we left off with positive moves and a couple of early sighters before Charlie latched on to a fine through ball from Joe and kept his cool to slot past the advancing keeper for number three.Yarnton refused to throw in the towel and soon after they had scored their first goal to give warning that they would not go away quietly. When Ned lobbed a beauty into Tylers path and Ty volleyed home we hoped that would be that. No. Back came Yarnton , this time we were far too generous with our lighthearted tackling and the second goal acted as a huge lift to the home side. With five minutes left Tom was harshly penalised for a seemingly good tackle and Isaac faced his second penalty of the day. Again Isaac went the right way and saved the spot kick only to see the taker follow up to make the score line too close for comfort. We at last showed a composure in the last few moments to keep the home side locked down in their own half and prevented any other chances. I think like most who witnessed the game that we were worthy winners and so we can look forward to a rematch at our place on sunday. Strong performances all over the park today and but for a dodgy few minutes in the late stages this has to go down as a very good day today. Harlie is growing into his new role and gave an immaculate performance all game to win this weeks MOM.
