ROYSTON TOWN FC v AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS FC
Saturday 18th December 2021
A Nathan Tshikuna penalty proved to be the winner, as AFC Rushden & Diamond won this mid-table battle.
The first half was a completely forgetful affair, with the exception of one piece of quality that gave the visitors the lead in the 28th minute. Having drifted across the field Adriel George’s defence splitting pass played in Connor Furlong, whose clipped cross to the back post was headed in by Ty Deacon.
The second half was a much better spectacle with both teams showing much more attacking intent. Straight from kick off Finlay Titchmarsh saw his shot turned around the post by Dean Snedker. It was however Rushden who doubled their lead in the 62nd minute. Tricky wing play by George saw him advance into the box, getting the wrong side of Rhamar Garrett-Douglas who ended up fouling the winger. Tshikuna stepped up and confidently despatched the penalty, sending Dimitrious Kyriatzis the wrong way.
The Crows responded almost immediately, as Titchmarsh’s cross was nodded on by Adam Murray and Scott Bridges volleyed home to halve the deficit. Royston pressed for an equaliser and despite a number of corners and long throws were unable to create any clear-cut chances to trouble Snedker, as the away side stood firm and claimed the three points, to keep them above the Crows in the league.
Royston: 1-Kyriatzis, 17-Garrett-Douglas (9-Adams 66), 3-Mensah, 6-Henry, 14-Brighton, 7-Titchmarsh, 20-Newton, 4-Bridges (19-Mentis 70), 11-Galliford (16-Gouldbourne 77), 5-Murray ©, 10-Bateman
Unused: GK-Welch, 12-Tigwell
MOM – Matt Bateman
| ROYSTON TOWN | AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS | |
| 3 | EFFORTS ON TARGET | 3 |
| 4 | EFFORTS OFF TARGET | 1 |
| 5 | BLOCKED SHOTS | 4 |
| 10 | FREE KICKS AWARDED | 12 |
| 10 | CORNERS | 4 |
| 1 | YELLOW CARDS | 3 |
| 0 | RED CARDS | 0 |
