The Royals travelled to far-flung lands to record an unlikely record victory against a Leigh Rovers side with a 100% record. Although slightly flattering at 5-1 the performance was gritty, resilient and clinical and moves the Royals to within striking distance of the leaders. Leigh will be disappointed by the result as they had the majority of possession but the Royals were superb in defence and clinical in front of goal.
The 1st half was a very scrappy affair with little incident. The Referee didn’t help matters with the constant stop/start nature of his style contributing to the limited chances. However it is important to note that while Rovers enjoyed much of the ball they struggled to create chances against a terrific back 4 performance marshalled by Kemble for the Royals. The only clear chances came for the Royals on the counter attack through H.Boutarfa and Broomhead who both should've done better. 0-0 at half-time.
The Second half was a much different affair. On 54 minutes the flurry began. A free kick was drove at the keeper by Merrie, on his farewell performance, which the keeper fluffed and top scorer Lee finished from close range.
The Joy however was short lived as Rovers straight from the Kick off calved open Royals and drew level. A silly goal to concede with Culshaw ruing the lack of concentration previously absent amongst the ranks.
By now Royals had realised that the long ball was not pretty but effective against a young Rovers side and the goal of the game came as a long punt by Smith in goal found the head of H.Boutarfa who flicked on excellently into the path of Broomhead who still had much to do, but a great bit of control, turn and half volley later ended up looping over the Keeper. Broomhead proving that he has that kind of ability in his locker.
Two Minutes later on 64 another long ball ended up with Lee being fouled after picking up the second ball. Charlton took the free kick and found the bottom corner from 30 yards, all be it with a little help from the Rovers keeper.
On 68 minutes the game was over as the Royals went 4-1 up. Another long ball up field and Broomhead was away harrying. The Rovers defence got in a muddle; Broomhead stole and put in H.Boutarfa 30 yards out. With the keeper and defence scrambling to get back on the line he finished superbly high into the net.
The Royals were not finished there and added a fifth on 72 minutes. Again a long ball from Smith in goal turned the Rovers defence and Broomhead's persistence saw him nick the ball round the oncoming keeper and beating another defender he played it across goal for H.Boutarfa to score his second tapping in from close range.
The Last 20 minutes saw the Royals show maturity and experience in killing off the game and seeing out the result. Rovers were left commenting on the Royals style of play on the day that resembled a well drilled Stoke City. Perhaps it was meant as offensive but The Royals lads took it as a complement.
Reflecting on the game you can’t help but feel that this could be a definitive game in the history of the football club. A club record win against a side at the top end of the league and a very mature and astute performance gives Culshaw and his squad a lot to feel proud of. The biggest challenge in the coming month may well be to keep everybody's feet on the ground but this is a problem not previously faced at the club. A great day for all concerned.
Next up Wargrave Rovers at St Helens Road next week.
