BUILDBASE FA TROPHY OPPONENTS CONFIRMED

Following their stunning victory over National League South flyers Hampton & Richmond, Hamlet welcome Royston Town on Saturday

Last night’s triumph over the Beavers was the latest milestone in fantastic few years for the Crows who, having been crowned Champions of the Spartan South Midlands League in 2013, have quickly established themselves as one of the front runners in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central. In the last two seasons the Crows finished runners-up only to drop out of contention for promotion at the semi-final stage. In 2014/2015 they finished 11 points adrift of runaway winners Kettering Town before a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Barton Rovers. A year later lightning struck for a second time as the Crows again finished second behind Kings Langley, promoted as Spartan South Midlands champions. However, in front of 655 fans at Garden Walk, they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Rushden & Diamonds. However the current campaign sees Royston Town determined to make certain of stepping up. As things stand they currently top the table, four points clear of Farnborough and unbeaten in the league since late September when, in a madcap match, Royston conceded three goals in the first 13 minutes, rallied to 2-3 before Barton bagged 3 more to end up 6-3 victors.

Meanwhile in the Buildbase FA Trophy, a competition the Crows only entered for the first time in 2012/2013 has seen the club reach the First Round Proper, a hitherto unknown territory. On the way, they have seen off Egham Town (3-0 at home), dispatched Northwood 4-1 away in a replay after the sides had shared four goals at Garden Walk and comfortably disposed of Wimborne Town 4-0 at home. In the final qualifying round, the draw sent the Crows on a tough mission to Hampton & Richmond. However stout defensive work and some fine saves from custodian Joe Welch blunted the Beavers and left them toothless in attack despite the lion’s share of the possession. On the return to Garden Walk, the Beavers drew first blood as Portsmouth-bound Jamal Lowe found the back of the net after 32 minutes. But things changed after the break as Royston Town’s talismanic skipper Scott Bridges struck two superb goals to shock the visitors and ensure it would be the Crows at Champion Hill come Saturday.