Perth Royals (0) 0 v. Ashfield SC (0) 0

Royals stepped up to the plate tonight and proved that they are a much better football club than their lowly league position suggests. Two weeks ago Royals forced a draw against a strong and fast Kingsley side from Div 1. Tonight it was the turn of Ashfield a State Div 1 side. Ashfield fielded a strong Reserve side that should have been capable of taking the points. Indeed, they did produce two clear goal-scoring opportunities early on.

Royals’ luck held and they soon settled into the game. By half time it was Royals who could have been two goals up. Half-time 0-0.

Zane Prickett had a great game at right back. Joseph and Gavin worked well together as centre-backs. Gavin commanded the backline well. Keith and Andy held the left-back position between them. In midfield, Jason had a fantastic game partnering, first Scott and then Darren winning some crucial possession through the middle and putting together some neat passing moves. Jan and Alvin were ripping up the opposition full backs, down the right and left wings respectively. It was Jan’s burst through on goal that provided the best chance of the game. Jan left the keeper for dead, but Ashfield cleared his attempt on goal, off the line. Up front Wheaty, Jordan and Kaz fought well and created a wave of opportunities throughout the second half. Martin kept a solid goal line and picked up his second clean sheet in succession. In the second half Jason picked up a yellow card, which added to the one collected by Gavin in the first half. With five minutes to go, Joe was helped to the dugout after he overstretched his groin in a challenge. Jason held the backline with Gavin.

At the full time whistle it was Ashfield on the back foot. The final score remained at 0-0. A ‘top’ performance had been delivered by all the Royals players. The Final, next week, promises to be a mouth-watering prospect, when the fixture will be repeated against Ashfield. Rumor has it that it will be the same opponents, in name only, as Ashfield 1stteam are available. If that’s the situation… then so be it. This combination Royals side is proving a tough nut to crack…and proving that to ourselves is far more important than proving it to our opponents. But if that’s what it’s going to be like… Bring it on..!

Next week Wednesday 10th March WSL Night Series Final, (Wotton Res, Embleton Ave, Morley Windmills ground.) Royals v Ashfield, KO 6.45pm… players meet at 6.00pm latest…

We would welcome as much support as possible. This is the club’s first final in nearly 10 years. Come on the Royals…