Up Holland reserves posed the royals with a much sterner test than the previous weeks opponents with the 2nd division side showing spells of neat football and clever play. In what was a tight affair with limited clear chances, a well matched game ended, in hindsight, in a fair share of the spoils.
The game started scrappily, with neither side producing great football but it was Up holland who eventually settled the quicker. Displaying good passing football the whites opened up the roylas defence on 15 minutes when a through ball evaded dowling at left back and landed at the feet of the impressive no9, just missing the far post from the angle.
Next it was the royals turn to go on the attack and with a long ball over the top dave haines found himself through on his return to action on 22 minutes. His lack of game time however perhaps contributed to his strike over from close in, but it was the first real opening that had been created by the royals.
After being over-run in the early stages culshaw changed the formation to counter the up holland threat. Almost immediatley (perhaps coincidentally) the roylas scored the opening goal on 31 minutes. Micheal Kemble steamrollered down the left side and produced a great ball to the back post that Kinney nodded back across for Lea to volley home from the edge of the area. It was a terrific goal that showed the royals have quality amongst the ranks.
The final 15 minutes of the half was dominated by the royals with the now midfield trio of merrie, dowling and lea running the show aided by the again impressive kinney. Dave Haines was unlucky not to double the royals lead on 42 minutes with a thunderous 30 yard drive, only kept out by an impressive save from the Up Holland keeper.
The second half kicked off and quickly resembled the scrappy opening exchanges of the game. fatigue setting in to a few tired legs the royals changed it up with three quick changes, most notably former player Andy Knott returning in a red shirt.
As the half wore on the game remained tight and it was 75 minutes when Up holland started to press for an equaliser. a couple of half chances were created but Foot in the royals goal remained un-tested until 83 minutes when Up Holland benefited from a fortunate equaliser. As the pressure incresed and the 3rd corner in a row arrived the ball was partially cleared by gamble. This time it landed at an Up holland centre half's feet, up for the corner, who's strike took a wicked deflection, nestling in the corner giving Foot no chance. Despite the manner of the goal, Up Holland deserve credit for the way they fought in the latter period of the 2nd half.
For the second week in a row, the Royals could of won the game with the last kick, but this time the bar scuppered royals hopes of a final flourish. A corner floated in from gamble made its way to royals captain Kemble who's overhead attempt rattled the underside of the bar to leave the game tied.
The Royals will be pleased with their performance in this game and the run out will certainly benefit the fitness and sharpness of the royals players. However they know they can improve on the performance and that will give them hope for the season ahead as they more than matched a side a division above.
Database of the Ormskirk Sunday League await next week as the royals conclude their build-up to their much anticipated debut in the South Lancashire Counties division 3.
