Scott double puts ladies on the way

Cambridge University 2

Royston Town Ladies 3

TOWN bounced back after a run of poor league form to clinch a nail-biting victory against Cambridge University on Sunday, with one of their best team performances of the season.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half Royston found themselves under pressure from the start and it was no surprise when they went one down within the first 10 minutes.

Cambridge should have made it 2-0 moments later, and Royston had Sharon Pinner to thank as her last-ditch tackle prevented a certain goal.

Gradually the visitors adjusted to the conditions and started to unsettle the University's defence with a series of excellent passing moves.

And Royston deservedly equalised after 32 minutes, when Leanne Buchannan played a clever pass from defence to Jody Scott, who held off two defenders before chipping the ball over the keeper.

With the wind at their backs Town could not have started the second half better. After only 26 seconds the ball fell to Scott on the edge of area, and she gave the keeper little chance with a stunning strike to put her side in front.

The home side recovered well from the early set-back and Royston found themselves having to defend in depth.

With 20 minutes left Gemma Barlow was unfortunate when she sliced her clearance past Amy Walker for an own goal that brought the scores level.

But within five minutes, Town were in front again when Scott made a brilliant run down the left and crossed for Emma Chaffey who squeezed the ball past the advancing Cambridge keeper.

The University pressed again for an equaliser, but Royston continued their dangerous breaks forward and held firm at the back to deny the home side any real further chances.

Assistant Coach Merv Chaffey said: "I'm very proud of the whole team. They showed a lot of determination and we were well worth the three points".