Battling Crows caught on break

Royston Town Res 1

Broxbourne VE Res 3

THERE was an altogether ­different look to Royston reserves as they took on the league's top ­scorers Broxbourne.

Despite being on the back foot from the first whistle, a young Crows side stuck to a well drilled game plan, which nullified the visitors' lively attack time and again.

And thanks to some confident defending from the whole team, they kept the scores level at half time despite the obvious threat Broxbourne proved going forward.

After the re-start it was much of the same as the Crows battled for possession.

However, with stand-in keeper Meredith the busier of the two number ones it came as no surprise when the visitors took the lead after Royston recklessly squandered the ball inside their 18-yard line.

But the home side bounced back and Aaron Williams hustled a Broxbourne defender into a mistake and picked out Chris Birks, who capped a hard-working display with a powerful strike to make it 1-1.

The game then went into overdrive with both sides looking for the winning goal.

Unfortunately for Royston it was ­Broxbourne who found it after another mix up at the back cost the hosts dearly.

With just minutes on the clock Royston searched for another equaliser and pushed men forward at every opportunity.

However, it proved to be a dangerous ­tactic when they were caught on the break and conceded a third late on.

Joint manager Kevin Wilson said: "Although the visitors had a lot about them our young side more than matched them and the scoreline was probably a little harsh.

"The enthusiasm of the younger players has been very impressive, but I would counter that with a lack of 'worldly wiseness'.

"We need to learn how to play ugly and grind out the result."

Royston Town Res: Meredith; Evans, Crosk, Stoddy, Waddington; Waite, Dunsdon, Williams, Maggott; Bates, O'Brien. (Subs): Blair, Birks, Wilson.