It was the league's most potent attack against the leakiest defence, so the score was perhaps not a surprise. Hertford were in complete control throughout, and were helped enormously when home 'keeper Ken Kemato was dismissed after 38 minutes for protesting too long and too loud about the award of a penalty to Hertford. Although numbers were levelled up by the dismissal of Pany Panayiotou on 49 minutes, the result was never in doubt.

Team: 1. Mark Virgo, 2. Nicky Marsh, 3. Pablo Ardiles, 4. Kevin Kilroy, 5. Glenn Draper, 6. Ryan Wade, 8. Phil Goss, 9. Ryan Redford, 10. Kevin Cooper, 11. Lee Roberts. Subs Used: 12. Luke Smith (for Wade, 70), 14. Paul Taylor (for Ardiles, 57), 17. Leo Turner (for Kilroy, 60).

Like so many of Hertford's big wins this season, it took a while to open the scoring. Although it was all Hertford from the start, it was 14 minutes before KEVIN COOPER put them 1-0 up when he bundled the ball home from close range after a Ryan Redford effort set up by Lee Roberts was kept out by 'keeper Ken Kemato. Redford had already tested Kemato and also fired just over, and a Panayiotou shot had been deflected for a corner. On 22 minutes, after Ryan Wade had been brought down by the desperate home defence 20 yards out, Kevin Kilroy struck a superb free kick over the wall, but Kemato made a stunning flying save to keep the ball out.
Royston's first shot on goal came on 29 minutes, when Jez McMurragh's free kick was well held by Mark Virgo. On 33 minutes, Ryan Wade was fouled 40 yards out and when Kevin Kilroy's free kick found KEVIN COOPER, the striker was brought down as he tried to turn with the ball, and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Home 'keeper Kemato objected to the award, and the referee appeared to book him twice for dissent and follow the second booking with a red card. It was some time before the 'keeper's shirt reappeared and striker Brad Jackson donned it to face the penalty. Cooper stepped up after a long wait to fire firmly into the right hand corner to make it 2-0 to the visitors.
Hertford's third came on 44 minutes when Royston conceded yet another free kick in a dangerous position. This time RYAN WADE stepped up to fire directly into goal from 25 yards, with stand in keeper Jackson unable to get near.
There was still time for Hertford to go 4-0 up before half time, as RYAN REDFORD took possession of the ball in the right hand corner of the box, cut in and fired into the far corner in fine style.

Half Time: Royston Town 0 Hertford Town 4

Royston made a half time substitution in goal, when Greg Jackson replaced his brother Brad. On 49 minutes the referee levelled out the numbers on the pitch when he showed a straight red card to Pany Panayiotou allegedly for deliberately elbowing his opponent. Panayiotou was so incensed by the decision that he left the ground after getting changed. Hertford although shaken by this harsh dismissal were not deflected from their task and increased their lead when LEE ROBERTS made it 5-0 on 55 minutes, when he volleyed home from 18 yards. Hertford switched to 3-4-2 after 57 minutes when Paul Taylor replaced Pablo Ardiles. Jez McMurrough netted but had already been flagged off side, and then Crows' skipper Lee Rogers had their best effort of the game when he fired a free kick just over the bar. Leo Turner replaced Kevin Kilroy on the hour and Royston sent on Ken Blair and Sam Bowles. Crows' defender Michael Bloss was booked after a long lecture by the very noticable referee who then had to endure the mirth of the Hertford supporters behind the goal when he called on the young lady home physio to attend to a muscle strain in his leg. There was panic in the home defence on 65 minutes when a defender headed up in the air when 'keeper Jackson didn't come for the ball, and RYAN REDFORD nipped in to direct a looping header into the net.
Luke Smith replaced Ryan Wade as Dave Greenwood made full use of his substitutes, and then Hertford nearly got another when Paul Taylor played a superb ball out to Nicky Marsh, whose cross shot was well held by the home 'keeper. It was 7-0 after 82 minutes though, as PHIL GOSS scored from an acute angle when he cut in from the right. Ryan Redford should have got yet another hat-trick when he found himself a yard in front of goal as the ball came across, but he was unable to make contact. Lee Roberts shot just overthe bar following good work by Redford, as Hertford continued to attack to the final whistle.

Final Score: Royston Town 0 Hertford Town 7 We hope you will find our website helpful and informative . There is a separate "Fans Forum", for which the Club accepts no reponsibility .