Southern League Premier Central
Saturday 9th November, 2024
Harborough Town 1 (Stephens 4′)
Royston Town 1 (Murray 30’)
The spoils were shared between Harborough Town and Royston Town as Ben Stephens’ early opener for the hosts was cancelled out by a header from Adam Murray.
It was the best possible start for the Bees as they stung Royston early through Stephens as the forward flicked home from a Dan Forbes cross to continue his rich goalscoring form. James Dadge made a smart save at his near post to deny Kian Harness, before Murray’s effort from the centre of the box rose over the bar as the Crows responded well to their early setback. After creating more goalscoring chances, Royston got back on level terms through Murray as the visiting captain met Archibald Locke’s cross and powered his header past Dadge. Paul Malone saw his effort cleared off the line for the hosts, while Murray saw a carbon copy of his first chance whistle over the bar as the score remained level at the break.
The second half saw fewer chances as the game lost its momentum through fouls and substitutions but the Bees created two great opportunities as Riley O’Sullivan’s blistering strike flew narrowly wide of the mark before he almost turned creator for Malone who was off balance as he met the forward’s cutback. Royston then nearly got their noses in front, but an outstanding save from Dadge left Murray in disbelief as he was denied from point blank range. The Bees pushed for a late winner but it was not to be as Ben Starkie’s shot from the edge of the box was gathered by Tommy Dixon-Hodge after travelling through a crowd of bodies.
MOTM: James Dadge (HTFC)
Report: Cristian Bratu