FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round 17th September 2022
The Tudors just edged this FA Cup competitive tie and whilst they were worthy winners the final score line was a tad harsh on the visitors who contributed to an entertaining game with both keepers making saves at crucial times.
Ex Crow Josh Castiglione was skipper for the game and he put in a real performance giving the Crows back line a torrid time the first period especially.
He linked up well with Ogo Obi who was back in the starting line-up after his two goal ‘Super Sub’ appearance at Dulwich on Tuesday evening.
First Goal, A perfect Cross by Josh C to Ogo, he turns and shoots the ball past Dasilva
Royston keeper Dimitrios Kyriazis made a couple of decent saves in the early moments but he was finally beaten by the Obi/Castiglione double act just on the half hour mark. Castiglione powered into the box on the right hand side, evading several tackles before unselfishly laying the ball across to Obi who tucked the ball into the bottom corner.
Its great to see Kyle O'conner-Ajayi back on the Pitch.
Josh Castiglione was Pure class and an Outstanding Captain.
The Tudors lost loan full back Harris O’Connor shortly after this and they had to juggle the pack, with Jernade Meade coming on for his first appearance of the season. It seemed to unsettle the home side somewhat and Royston started to look more dangerous as the half came to a close, creating a couple of decent chances.
The first saw Max Bustamante clip the ball onto the roof of the net after being put in behind the back four, Craig King closed down the angle but the Crows player should have at least found the target. Then, with the clock ticking down, King did superbly to tip a header from Nathan Tshikuna over the bar.
Ogo Just seems Invisible with outstanding Play.
Ryan Hope had an outstanding game.
The second period was quite even with chances at both ends. Dimitrios Kyriazis had to dive full length to stop a shot from the lively Brooklyn Ilunga who was starting to cause problems down Royston’s right flank and King superbly saved a Jarid Robson header from a corner.
Nahum Melvin-Lambert Putting fear into the Royston Defence.
The game was settled when Ilunga, who was now really showing his skills, was brought down as he cut into the box, Jordan Greenidge stepped up and dispatched it, sending the keeper the wrong way to ease some of the nerves in the ground.
When Kory Roberts Learnt to Fly.
Royston thought they had reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute but the linesman had flagged for offside.
Jordan making easy work of the Penalty 2-0
Ilunga brought another good save out of Kyriatzis before he got the goal he deserved in the last minute of injury time with a superb strike, he received the ball out wide before cutting inside an unleashing a powerful drive past the keeper to put the game to bed.
There were several contenders for Man of the Match, with Craig King having another strong game in goal, the two central defenders, Jack Westbrook and the ever steady Kory Roberts (our most consistent player so far this season) Kyle Ajayi (back after a long absence) and skipper Josh Castiglione who rarely lets the side down, but in the end it was given to Brooklyn Ilunga, who really came to life in the second half, showing the Tudor Army just what he was all about.
Match Rating: 4/5
Attendance: 456
Man of the match: Brooklyn Ilunga (Hemel)
Brooklyn Ilunga showed what an exceptional player he is.
Who's Man of the Match?
<- This Guy.
Hemel: Craig King; Harris O’Connor (Jernade Meade 35) Kyle Ajayi, Jack Westbrook, Kory Roberts; Josh Castiglione © Ryan Hope (Bayley Brown) Dominic Morgan-Griffiths, Nahum Melvin-Lambert (Jordan Greenidge 64) Ogo Obi, Brooklyn Ilunga.
Subs not used: Godfrey Poku, Josh Lelan, David Saunders (gk)