Stafford Ladies 2 Royston Ladies 1 A DEPLETED Royston side saw the EH Vase dreams dashed at the first hurdle, on Sunday. Royston started on the back foot and were put under pressure, but with some great coaching from the sideline Royston were able to gai

Stafford Ladies 2 Royston Ladies 1

A DEPLETED Royston side saw the EH Vase dreams dashed at the first hurdle, on Sunday.

Royston started on the back foot and were put under pressure, but with some great coaching from the sideline Royston were able to gain much of the possession.

Royston had some great attacking play by Sophie Gathercole, Ellie Mann, Jenny Carrol and Lucy Davidson.

They had chances at goal but saw these saved or put wide.

They were put under pressure again when the home team had a number of short corners but this brought out some great defending, with Royston's keeper Laura Price producing a player-of-the-match performance.

Stafford had a very well struck shot at goal that was deflected just in front of the keeper which cause confusion and went in.

Royston kept their heads up and were able to shift the ball through the team to enable captain Jenny Last to receive the ball in the centre, pass it out to Jenny Carrol who crossed it in to allow Lucy Davidson to bury the ball in the net.

Half time saw the coach give the team a very encouraging talk which saw Royston go out with a strong attitude for the second half.

Unfortunately they were unable to convert any chances and the game then went to a sudden death situation.

Royston's goalkeeper unfortunately slid out to try and get rid of the ball but managed to collide with her own defender Ruth Stapleton.

This left both keeper and defender on the ground whilst the umpires left play to continue, the home team took full advantage of this and scored the winning goal which ended the match.