ROYSTON TOWN FC v CHESTER FC

Saturday 11^th January 2020

Royston claimed their 3rd higher level scalp as they moved into the last 16 of the FA Trophy with a thoroughly well-deserved victory against National North high flyers Chester.

The damage was done in the second half as the Crows scored 3 goals without reply. The scoring was opened in the 51st minute as Matt Bateman headed in at the near post after Ben Martin had headed Gus Scott-Morriss’ deep corner back across goal.

The lead was soon doubled as Josh Castiglione stooped to head home after good work by Brandon Adams had created the opportunity.

Having taken the lead, Royston never looked likely to relinquish it, as they continued to control the game, never letting Chester get any sort of foothold. It was, therefore, no surprise when they scored a game-clinching third goal, as Matt Bateman scored another header, this time from a Luke Warner-Eley cross.

The first half had been a more even affair. Scott-Morriss and Castiglione had seen efforts well saved by away stopper Russ Griffiths, whilst Scott Bridges had a volley headed off his own line by James Jones.

For their part, Chester had arguably the best chance of the half, when Anthony Dudley found himself with time and space in the Crows penalty box, but his low shot was too close to Harry Smart, who saved well with his legs. Jones also had a chance with a header from a corner, but didn’t connect properly and subsequently saw his effort go wide.

It was, however, Royston’s dominant second-half performance that proved decisive and saw the Crows through to the next round.

Royston: 1-Smart, 2-Scott-Morriss, 3-Warner-Eley (14-Brighton 86), 4-Bridges, 5-Murray ©, 6-Martin, 7-Mentis, 8-Watkins, 9-Adams (17-Ofosu 67), 10-Bateman (12-Ingrey 89), 11-Castiglione

Unused: 15-Crowther, 16-Green, 18-Brathwaite, GK-Foxall

MOM: Matt Bateman