Royston comfortably see off Oxhey Jets 6-1 in semi final

ROYSTON TOWN secured their place in the Spartan South Midlands Senior Floodlit Cup Final with a resounding victory over Oxhey Jets on Tuesday evening.

They will face league rivals Tring Athletic in the final with the date and venue yet to be decided. It will be the third year in a row the Crows have made it to the final after winning it on both previous occasions.

The Crows were on the front foot from the start, putting good pressure on the Jets goal with the home team playing controlled and probing football. Ross Collins and Tom Malins both had good early chances but the scoring was opened on 15 minutes when a throw in got an important flick on that was half parried for Malins to head in unchallenged at the back post.

Oxhey struggled to create their own chances and Royston ‘keeper Jorden Gibson’s only real contribution in the first half was to deal with a few back passes and goal kicks.

The Jets repelled several Royston attacks until first half injury time brought the second goal. A superbly delivered Jack Bradshaw free kick was headed in by John McGrandles and the half finished with Royston undoubtedly on top but with just a two-goal lead.

In the second half Royston were similar in their approach but were much more clinical in front of goal.

On 51 minutes Collins delivered a ball into the danger area and Will Turl executed a low overhead kick and his strong connection took a deflection and found the net.

Just two minutes later saw the Crows add their fourth with Turl this time playing the role of provider, putting in a pinpoint cross to find Matt Standen’s head whose effort trickled over the line despite the ‘keeper’s best efforts.

Oxhey clawed a goal back with their first real shot on target – Chris Killer’s tame, but on target, effort freakishly hit a divot and the ball reared up over Gibson’s despairing dive giving him no chance.

Undeterred, Royston pushed for more goals and their fifth came in the 69th minute when Rhys Lawrence connected first time to a Collins pass and his powerful shot flew into the net.

The game went into a quiet period but was brought back to life with the goal of the match. Turl got his head to a high cross forcing the ball up into the air and Lawrence watched it all the way before connecting with a brilliant volley from just outside the box that rocketed into the net for an outstanding finish.

In this mood Royston are a force to be reckoned with and all game their approach play and creative movement gave their opponents no chance to get into the game.

Tring will prove stiffer opposition in the final but the Crows look eager to bring home some silverware to reward their efforts over what has been a long and hard season.

Royston Town: Gibson, Endacott, Bradshaw, Cain, McGrandles (Apostolos), Edwards, Collins (C) (Klein), Malins, Turl, Matt Standen (Young), Lawrence.

Subs not used: Lockett, Grinham.

Man of the Match: Rhys Lawrence

Attendance: 126