FREDS SCORE DRAMATIC LATE WINNER AT ST EDMUNDS ROYALS

Will Nicol whipped a low cross in and for all the money in the world it looked safe, but Stan Herbert timed an angled run to arrive at the near post and flick the ball inside the upright to complete another classic comeback by THE FREDS!

It had been a bit of a white knuckle ride up to that point. THE FREDS opened the scoring with some great interchange play between Will Nicol and Hitman Hall on the box edge (reminiscent of Paolo Rossi and Roberto Bettega in the 1978 World Cup group game between Italy and Argentina) when the two linked to break the defensive line. In similar fashion, the Alfredian Assassin finished the move with a killer shot low to the keepers' right hand.

However, Royals penetrated the Wantage rearguard twice to take a half-time lead. Both times, muscling their way through the centre with power and pace to net.

The green and white hoops were at it after the interval though, and bossed much of the play. Will Nicol raced away in the inside right channel and leathered a low leveller that slapped in off the far post. It all looked positive, but Royals once again worked two similar goals to edge a two goal lead!

With dogged determination, Wantage scored a third from close range when Tom Todd pounced in the box. Then Jonny Hall lengthened his stride to steal a yard or two before lacing the ball past an exposed keeper.

THE FREDS compounded Royals' misery when Stan Herbert grabbed all three points. Mass bundle followed. What's not to love?

"Great team spirit and togetherness. So pleasing to see."

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