ROYSTON TOWN FC v REDDITCH UNITED FC

Tuesday 7^th January 2020

The Crow’s made hard work of beating bottom of the table Redditch, as they were given a nervy last 10 minutes with just a 1 goal lead.

Royston were the dominant side throughout the game, controlling proceedings as Redditch rarely threatened. Despite this dominance, they found opportunities hard to fashion in the first half, as the away side competed for every ball and sat deep, denying space to the home side.

The Crows were out the blocks fast and scored in the 10^th minute. James Brighton picked up a loose ball on the corner of the box and drove forward before crossing low to Matt Bateman. Bateman, with back to goal, quickly spun and despatched a low shot into the net.

Chances were thereafter at a premium, with Redditch defending well. Even when a chance of a goal was given to Brandon Adams, goalkeeper Kieran Boucher saved well, with the follow-up effort being cleared off the line. Shortly after, Adams thought he had doubled the Crows lead as he prodded home a Claudio Ofosu cross, unfortunately, the whistle happy ref was too impatient to let the advantage play out, as he had blown for what was rather a crude challenge on Ofosu as he crossed the ball. The resulting free-kick came to nothing and Royston entered the break with a single goal advantage.

Royston continued the second half in equally dominant form but with a greater cutting edge. A Josh Castiglione corner was touched onto the post by Adam Murray before Spyros Mentis saw a shot tipped over. The resulting corner saw Ben Martin head narrowly over. With Royston’s corner count growing they were eventually rewarded with a second goal in the 74^th minute, as Castiglione’s curling effort beat everyone across the line, as a scrum of players attacked the ball.

This should have signalled the end of the contest, but Redditch were offered a lifeline in the 79^th minute as the referee, somewhat harshly, penalised Dan Green for a handball inside the area. Visiting striker Brandon Diau calmed converted the penalty, dinking it over the diving Harry Smart.

With just a one-goal advantage the stage was set for Redditch to go on the offensive in search of an equaliser, but Royston managed the game well, denying the away side any opportunities. Indeed, they were unfortunate not to extend their lead, as Harold Joseph saw a cross scrambled away from him with the goal beckoning, Castiglione seeing a deflected drive tipped over and substitute Dan Brathwaite having a header cleared off the line.

Another three points for the Crows, taking them to the lofty heights of third in the table. However, league positions will be put on temporary hold, as the FA Trophy match with Chester takes centre stage on Saturday.

Royston: 1-Smart, 2-Green, 3-Brighton, 4-Joseph, 5-Martin (16-Brathwaite 74), 6-Murray ©, 7-Mentis, 8-Castiglione, 9-Adams (12-Bridges 65), 10-Bateman (15-Ingrey 56), 11-Ofosu

Unused: 14-Warner-Eley, 17-Welch (GK)

MOM: Josh Castiglione

This match report is kindly sponsored by Lounge India.

Lounge India is an exceptional Indian Restaurant based in Royston. They take great pride and care in every aspect of producing the food from their wide an varied menu and also the service.  The authentic cooking methods used by their highly skilled and experienced chefs guarantee mouth-watering and memorable dishes. Lounge India insist on using only the finest natural ingredients in their dishes and each is cooked fresh to order. For more details visit Lounge India