Burghfield Royals 3-2 Twyford Comets

Our first game for nearly 2 months!! The opposition were Twyford,
against who our record was played twice, lost narrowly twice. Skipper
and chief defensive organiser Ryan remained at home to cuddle his hot
water bottle and Tom 'Sicknote' Humber was again recovering from the
surgeons knife. The omens were not great.

The first 20 minutes of the game were spent camped in our own half.
Twyford took the lead and looked like they may romp the game but
fortunately they squandered a number of chances or ran up against Fraser
in excellent goalkeeping form.

After 20 minutes, and our first serious sortie into opposition
territory, the Royals were rewarded with an equaliser. A quick break
from our box, a simple ball over the top, and Tristan ran on to expertly
lift the ball over the advancing keeper - excellent finishing.

Again Twyford applied the pressure and were soon back in the lead after
a corner where opportunities to clear the ball were missed and a
scrambled goal was gifted to them.

Fifteen minutes of the first half remaining and the turning point of the
match came with the arrival of Harry Wilkinson on the pitch. After a
jinking run down the right flank he chipped a beautiful cross and Craig
moving away from goal met the ball almost too perfectly sending his
header just over the bar. This was followed by another two flowing
moves stringing together our passes each resulting with the ball in the
net but unfortunately ruled offside. Half time and the Royals were 2-1
down but the game was on.

The second half started well for the Royals and we used the wide space
far more intelligently. Twyford were thwarting our best moves however
and a mention should go to the No. 6 who made some fantastic covering
tackles against our speed merchants. Finally a move up the left wing
released Tristan to run into the penalty box and a perfect pull back was
met by Harry Wilkinson arriving from midfield to slot in the corner.

Both sides strained for the next goal. Twyford went close with the ball
coming back off the post into the keepers hands but in general our back
four were terrific. At centre half, very little passed Luke and if it
did Jamil's covering speed swept up any danger. Jack had a phenomenal
game at right back against one of the trickier wingers in the league and
Andy managed to push on a little more and join the attacks on the left
side. With around 20 minutes to go, Andy from near the corner flag,
drilled a perfect ball across the face of the goal to the back post
where Craig just got his forehead on the ball deflecting it on to the
defender and into the goal. With no 'dubious goals panel' to judge we'll
give the goal to Craig to cap an all round terrific display.

Twenty minutes to hold out and so we did for a famous victory. After a
two month break we really showed our hunger for football and a great
team spirit turned around an opening shaky spell for a deserved win.
by Bob Hodson