Royston Left With Very Little To Crow About - Rugby Town vs. Royston Town

Elevated view at Butlin Road

The recent appalling conditions across the country have meant that it is pointless trying to chose a game early in the week and the best method of finding a game is looking to see what games survive on Twitter on Saturday morning. The first game I saw on Twitter that was definitely on was the Southern League Division One Central tussle between Rugby and Royston Town. This turned out to be lucky as Rugby were looking to go top of the league while Royston wanted to keep themselves in the play off picture. A few seasons ago I saw Royston reach the last sixteen of the FA Vase with a two one win after extra time.

Kick off at a sunny and blustery Butlin Road

Both teams struggle to get to grips with the conditions although Royston do waste a free kick in a good position. Moments later, Rugby are almost in but the through ball is well cut out. The hosts create a good shooting chance following a neat flick and the keeper is relived when the shot is aimed straight at him. Royston then come close as a volleyed effort goes across the face of the goal. Rugby appeal for a hand ball in the area but the referee is not interested and the appeal is forgotten as Rugby take the lead shortly afterwards. The Rugby winger is able to cut inside and lash the ball home. Royston should be level almost immediately but the header from five yards out is put over the bar. With five minutes of the half to go, Rugby double their lead with a goal which is remarkably similar to the first. There is controversy at the end of the first half as the Rugby players believe the Royston forward went in too hard on the keeper but the referee takes no further action.

Royston go very close to equalising.

The controversy at the end of the first half is repeated at the start of the second half as the Rugby player is sent straight off for going in hard on the Royston forward. In a pattern that would repeated for the rest of the game, the red card looked harsh. Royston come close to making the numerical advantage count with a header but the Rugby goalie makes a good low save. They are made to regret missing that chance as Rugby add a third as the forward is played in by the right winger and he slots the ball past the keeper. This is too much for one Royston player as he is sent off for raising his hands to a Rugby player after a late tackle. With the numbers level Rugby begin to pass the ball about and add a sublime fourth as the ball is lashed home following a great passing move. As the game heads to a finish, Rugby add an even better fifth when the forward chips the on rushing keeper. The away side lose another player for a late tackle which again looked a very harsh decision Royston get a consolation goal in injury time but the Rugby forward completes his hat trick in the final seconds.  

Rugby on the attack in the first half

Trains to Rugby depart from Euston and the length of the trip depends on what train provider you use. Virgin Trains take just under an hour while London Midland Trains take about an hour and a half. Rugby is a town with a lot of history and there are several museums in the town centre. If you'd prefer to have a drink and catch the lunch time kick off then The Bull just off The Market Place will do the job. Butlin Road is a fairly leisurely forty five minute walk from the town centre. The clubhouse is quite large and had BT Sports. An interesting sight in the clubhouse was a birthday cake and card for one of the players signed by the fans. 

A fantastic programme was sold by Rugby. There was a lot of reading including a lot of detail of going ons around the league and good profiles of both sets of players.

Side on view of the older stand