Royston Town 3 Boreham Wood 1 Herts Senior Cup First Round ROYSTON set themselves up a plum tie at Conference South side St Albans City after dumping Boreham Wood out of the Herts Senior Cup in front of Sky Sports cameras. Ryman Premier Division side Bor

Royston Town 3 Boreham Wood 1

Herts Senior Cup First Round

ROYSTON set themselves up a plum tie at Conference South side St Albans City after dumping Boreham Wood out of the Herts Senior Cup in front of Sky Sports cameras.

Ryman Premier Division side Boreham Wood were playing two competitive games on the same evening with another side taking on Wealdstone in their League Cup competition (which they also lost) so to cover the spectacle Sky Sports sent a camera crew to both games.

Boreham Wood first team manager Ian Allison took charge against Royston and fielded eight first team players in his starting line up in what was a great game for the fans with both teams locked in a furious battle of technical skill and pace.

The visitors started the better but new Royston signing Ben Stocker and Luke Jones were superb in defence and with full backs Arin Fehmi and Lewis Endacott adding to their rock solid display.

Against the run of play a great cross by Ryan Lockett in the 15th minute was volleyed into the corner by Luke Robins to give Royston the lead and both Ross Collins and Tom Malins had fine half volley chances just miss the target.

The lead was doubled 10 minutes before half time when Stocker converted at the far post from Lockett's free kick but within 60 seconds the lead had been halved when the hosts failed to clear a corner and the resulting sliced shot was turned in from 10 yards.

Royston had the better of the opening periods of the second half with good possession but were unable to create any clear chances.

Boreham Wood gradually imposed themselves as the half went on and had a substantial period of pressure for 20 minutes that saw desperate defending at times with Richard Barlow making two outstanding diving saves, Luke Jones heading a shot off the line and a forward missing an open goal from six yards.

Royston did well to weather the storm and late on Lockett was unlucky not to score from a tight angle after rounding the 'keeper.

With seven minutes to go Stuart Dullaway, recently signed from Essex Senior League side Takeley, ran clear after a defensive mistake and slid under the advancing 'keeper to help his side through to the next round.

Paul Attfield said: "It was just a fantastic game to watch. The lads were absolutely knackered at the end but that was due to the effort they had to put in to match the pace of our opponents.

"Our defensive shape, organisation and battling qualities were superb tonight and we always looked capable of scoring goals.

"Whilst we had to ride our luck at times we deserved the result on our sheer desire levels."

Royston Town: Barlow, Endacott, Fehmi, Jones, Stocker, Collins (Bronti), Dolan (Cain), Malins, Young (Dullaway), Robins. Unused subs: Apostolos, Gibson.