Report

Royal United U16's went to Albury looking to keep their excellent run going and the boys didn't disappoint! It was a heated affair when Albury came to Horsham earlier in the season and the boys were more than looking forward to this game.

We needed to get off to a quick start and show a little character and after only 4 minutes the impressive Stanley Rice saw his effort go just wide of the Albury goal and with all the possession being Royals, Harry Garman went on an excellent run but somehow saw his attempt go agonisingly wide. Then on 16 minutes Royals were awarded a corner and a great delivery from Jacob Waller saw the goal machine Jake Legrange head home, to see us go 1-0 up.

We didn't have to wait much longer either, when Harry Garman found space on the left and his pull back into the box found Jake Legrange again who calmly slotted home, for his and Royals 2nd.

The game was all in the Albury half up to now and we harassed the Albury defence into another corner and this time Stanley Rice delivered the ammo for Jake Legrange to get a quick fire hat-trick!! 3-0 to Royals and looking very comfortable.

We then gave Albury a goal when some sloppy defending gave them a free kick and their effort was low and Aaron was unable to hold and as the ball went loose, the Albury defender toe poked it home. Unfortunately, as Aaron went to block the second attempt he got a boot in the face and had to come off soon after with slight concussion, as well as a bloody nose and mouth. Still, we were 3-1 up, but were still looking in control.

At half time, it was noted by the excellent parent support that it was a little chilly on the side lines today!!However, the boys needed to re-focus and get back to controlling the game and they did get back into their stride quickly. However, we seemed to be very generous to the opposition today, when another error handed Albury a 1 on 1 with Zac Love, who was in goal for Aaron and slotted to get their second and bring it back to 3-2.

It showed the quality of the Royals team as no-body panicked and we continued to control the game and were rewarded when Jake got his 4th of the match and deservedly so. 4-2 to Royals. We then made some changes with Aaron coming back on, Zac going up front, Callum McHale on at right midfield and Josh Wood on a left back. Although we were all over Albury, we couldn't get a fifth although Callum McHale went close, but finished 4-2 winners.......and went another step in retaining our Division 'A' league 'crown'!!

Again, all the boys were magnificent today, with Greg Gander & Ant Jupp (although I won't let you off the push on their striker Ant!) looking calm and assured at the back, making some strong, well timed  challenges; Alex Parsons and Connor Cushing dominating the middle of the park, but MOTM goes to Luke Polie today, for an impressive and assured display in defence!

MOTM: Luke Polie - Looked strong and assured in defence, with good distribution and good crosses for the front pair.

Goal-scorers: Jake Legrange (x4)

Squad: Aaron Chaplin, Jacob Waller, Harry Garman, Anthony Jupp, Greg Gander, Connor Cushing, Alex Parsons, Callum McHale, Stanley Rice, Tom Killner-Brown, Jake Legrange, Luke Polie, Zac Love & Joshua Wood.