Royston Town Ladies 1 Watford Ladies 5 WITH one foot in the Herts County Cup final, Royston s half-time lead was quashed as holders Watford showed their strength and depth. For the first 45 minutes, it was the hosts who looked to be on the way to the fi

Royston Town Ladies 1 Watford Ladies 5

WITH one foot in the Herts County Cup final, Royston's half-time lead was quashed as holders Watford showed their strength and depth.

For the first 45 minutes, it was the hosts who looked to be on the way to the final, after proving more than a match for their National League opponents.

Having taken the lead with their first attack of the game, courtesy of Emma Chaffey's powerful left-footed strike off the underside of the bar, Royston dominated the early play.

And spurred on by their success the hosts maintained the pressure with Chaffey and Clare Draper going close for a second.

However, as the half progressed Watford started to get into their stride, with The Crows' defence stretched as keeper Amy Walker had to make three outstanding saves to keep the visitors at bay.

At the break, Watford made changes, bringing on two of their main strikers, including former England striker and club captain Carrie-Anne Layton.

And within 15 minutes The Hornets were 3-1 up, as Layton played in Ellen Maggs for an equaliser before slotting in the second.

Freman College youngster Jo Rutherford then punished some slack defending for Watford's third, with another well-taken finish.

Royston seemingly lost heart as a result of this cruel 15 minute spell, and things got worse when they lost the talented Chaffey after 65 minutes with a serious injury, and play was held up for 35 minutes, while an ambulance was called.

Watford continued to turn the screw and within minutes Rutherford had her second of the game, before completing her hat-trick with a confident finish with 10 minutes left.

Manager Kevin Foulger said: "In the second half we simply lost belief in ourselves with Watford proving what a good side they can be.

"Full credit to Amy Walker though, because she gave a master class in goalkeeping - particularly in the first half."

# Watford will meet ­Welwyn Garden City Ladies in the final on ­Sunday, March 16.