Real continue promotion push
After Real's exit from the Gilbert Pullin cup against rivals 3 Lions. Real concentrated on the league against Good Intent. With 3 Lions facing Redfield, Real could pull away from the top 3 if results went there way.
After Real's poor scoring record after Browners injury Real introduced new trialists Jason Steele and Lewis Nixon to add to their strike force. Unfortinately Jason was injured but Lewis warmed the bench waiting for his debut for Real. Real made a change in formation which saw Palmer drift to left back, Rusty was welcomed back to centre half to partner Lippy and Herbert was in an attacking role infront of midfield with Broomy upfront. The gamble in formation came from lack of goals from the Real strikers and the formation worked for Real. With conditions not the best, Real needed to continue the form they had during the second half of the cup defeat against the 3 Lions and they did superbly.
Real looked comfortable and hungry, Herbert was doing a fine job testing the away keeper early on with some fine strikes met by equally fine saves. With Broomy warned of strikers on the bench, his game improved and he tried to much to find the back of the net when the easy option was available. Budding again egged on Real with some extradinary passes cross field but Smithy failed to capitalise on them. Real enjoyed the play with all players having parts in building the Real attack. The team ouzed with confidence from Andy up to Broomy and although the away keeper was only tested with long shots, the away team were soon blowing out of their rear. Ash soon followed up from a shot from Herbert and as the keeper fumbled from the pressure, Ash couldn't get the ball from his feet to put Real one up, but Ashley's determined play soon gave Real the break through they fully deserved. A mix up from the Good Intent defence left Ash to stab home and put the confident Real one up. Again, after Real took the lead, players thought the game was won and what seemed to be a fair tackle from Rusty, a lack of concentration let Real off the hook as Good Intents free kick was fumble by Andy, who made amends with a fine save from the follow up. The Royals were flowing but before you knew it, the ref blew for what seemed to be a very shortened first half.
The half time team talk was full of praise and IF Real could carry on the flowing football, goals would follow.
No changes were made and Real continued where they left off. They again dominated the play and frustrated Good Intent as there attacks fell to pieces with the sharp Real defence.
Budding again crossed play and his pass beat the 6ft 2 defender and landed to Smithy on the penalty spot to half volley and lob the dispared keeper. This move excited the
Real players and as Budding "shot" the barmy army into celebrations, they could not wait to get the ball back from the shocked away team.
Real continued to take there frustrations out on poor old Intent and with some quick feet from Ash, he soon was hacked to the floor to get Real a penalty.
Not one of his best penalties but Herbert fired staright down the middle to wrap the game up for Real.
Broomy soon made way for trialist Lewis and Real continued the eager attacks on the Intent defence.
Budding hit the wood work when he probably should of scored and Intent sooned hoped for their late arrivals to change the game for them. The late comers failed to make any impression and with 10 minutes to go, Real made a double substitution, Herbert and Palmer made way for Si and Ryan .
With the ref eager to blow, his soon did and Real enjoyed what seemed to be a good training session. No disrespect to Good Intent but a performance like this was very over due and I cannot remember the last time Real failed to give away a single corner in a full match.
A very confident performance from the boys now puts them in a great
position for promotion as the 3 Lions beat Redfield Rangers 3-0 and that win win keeps Real top by 2 points, and 6 points clear from 3rd place.
A great performance from all players and today was a very difficult day to pick a man of the match.