After finishing as finalists in the cup final last season, Royston Town Women went one better and won 3-1 against Watford U23’s.

Our first chance was in the 14th minute, when Amy Houghton’s good ball found Jordanne Sillitoe only for her powerful shot from on the edge of the box hit the crossbar. Royston were pushing to take the lead but in the 23rd minute after a slow pass back from the Watford player, Emma Slater pursued the ball with the Watford keeper both chasing the ball. The keeper’s kick hit Emma Slater and kindly fell to Jordanne Sillitoe, who was unmarked to shoot the ball into the empty net to put the crows 1-0 up and send our fans into jubilation. Royston were looking for more chances to extend the lead, however Watford equalised from their first chance of the game. From where we was standing we didn’t know if Annie Georgiou managed to clear it off the line after Elle Sarter was beaten but they got it over the line to even up the scoreline on the half hour mark. Royston were looking to put themselves back in front, however just on the stroke of half time Jordanne Sillitoe hit the post once again. Half time 1-1.

In the 2nd half Royston Town Women made a change at the quarter hour mark when Poppy Smith was taken off for Lily Hall and her first touch of the ball was magical. Jordanne’s really powerful throw in went into the box, bounced into the six yard area and Emma Slater’s header was saved by the keeper and Lily Hall was unmarked and slotted the ball not bad for a first touch! Once again Royston restored their lead and didn’t have to wait too long for a third. Emma Slater’s burst into the box and was fouled, although the ref initially didn’t give the foul, but rewarded Royston a penalty after a consultation with the linesman. Next up stepped Charlotte South and she dispatched the penalty into the bottom right hand corner. Twenty two minutes in the 2nd half with 3-1 being a good scoreline it’s not how you start a game it’s how you finish it. Royston were searching for a fourth a few minutes after their 3rd goal when another dangerous counter attack from Emma Slater who surged into the box but a good save by the Watford keeper the ball was bouncing and Emily Smith who just came on in place of Jordanne Sillitoe charged into the box and raced, but some brilliant defending from the Watford Ladies player kept it at 3-1. Our final change was Tally Miles for Emma Todd. Watford were looking for a goal to make the tie interesting, however good defending from our players kept the scoreline the same and that’s how it ended and Royston Town Women were crowned this year’s winners.

Team – Elle Sarter, Tally Miles, Annie Georgiou, Erin Davies, Amy Houghton, Stacey Roper, Emma Slater, Charlotte South (C), Jordanne Sillitoe, Laura Mills, Poppy Smith

Subs – Emma Todd, Emily Smith, Nicole Hendrick, Lily Hall, Amy Josland