In the lower divisions, such as the Southern League Central Division, there are real sensations that bring huge winnings to betting enthusiasts. Royston Town, known as the Ravens, from the small town of Royston in Hertfordshire, has been the hero of several such stories.
Founded in 1875, this modest team, with a home stadium of 5,000 spectators at Garden Walk, has repeatedly beaten the favourites, causing a stir among bettors at Winthere.
Victory over Chester in the FA Trophy: the triumph of 2020
One of the most memorable moments in the club's history came on 11 January 2020 in the second round of the FA Trophy, a prestigious cup competition for amateur and semi-professional teams. Royston Town hosted Chester from the National League North (sixth tier), who were considered clear favourites. Chester had a solid budget, experienced players and a reputation as a strong mid-table team, while Royston was fighting for survival in the Southern League. The odds on a home win were 5.50, reflecting the difference in class.
The match started tensely: Chester dominated the first half, creating several dangerous moments, but Royston goalkeeper Ryan Adams held firm. In the 28th minute of the second half, Royston's Roger Fer opened the scoring with a precise shot after a counterattack. Chester increased the pressure, but in the 67th minute, Mark Fiaron doubled the lead, taking advantage of a mistake by the visitors' defence. Brandon Newton put the final nail in the coffin in the 82nd minute, making it 3-0. The game was played in one breath, with 456 spectators in the stands chanting in ecstasy.
This sensation brought bettors winnings of up to 550% of their bets. One of the lucky ones who bet £100 on a clear victory for Royston walked away with £650. The match became a symbol of cup magic: Royston advanced to the third round, while Chester was eliminated, shocking analysts.
A confident victory over St Albans in the league: the surprise of 2018
In the 2017/2018 season of the Southern League Premier Division Central, Royston Town faced St Albans City, the league leaders and main contenders for promotion, on 7 April 2018. St Albans had a 12-game unbeaten streak, a powerful attack with strikers like Zouba Dyer, and odds of just 1.80 to win. Royston, on the other hand, was in the middle of the table, with odds of 4.20 to win.
The game at Garden Walk unfolded dramatically. St Albans took the lead in the 15th minute with a penalty, but Royston equalised in the 35th minute when Kevin Mills finished off a cross from the wing. In the second half, the hosts turned the game around: in the 62nd minute, Jordan Peters made it 2-1 with a long-range shot, and in the 78th minute, Lee Hampshire sealed the deal with a one-on-one finish. The final score was 3-1 in favour of Royston.
The betting winnings were substantial: odds of 4.20 allowed bettors to double or quadruple their stakes. Bettors who took a chance on a total of more than 2.5 goals (odds of 2.10) also hit the jackpot.
FA Cup triumph against Hereford: the legend of 2015
The FA Cup is the arena where the lower leagues shine brightest. On 31 October 2015, Royston Town beat Hereford United from the Southern League Premier Division (then the equivalent of the current division) in the first round. Hereford, with its history and the support of 2,000 fans, was the favourite with odds of 1.90. Royston, a newcomer to the division, was rated at 4.00.
The match in Royston began with pressure from the visitors: in the 20th minute, they took a 1-0 lead after a set piece. But Royston did not break down — in the 42nd minute, Ricky Moody scored from a corner to equalise. In the second half, Chris Smith put the hosts ahead with a header in the 55th minute, and Hutchinson made it 3-1 in the 85th minute.
The victory brought winnings of up to 400% of the bet, especially on the 1 handicap for Royston (odds of 3.50). One bettor from Hertfordshire won £1,200 from £300.
Derby with Hitchin Town: an unexpected rematch of 2019
The Hertfordshire derby is always heated. On 26 December 2019, Royston Town faced Hitchin Town, a strong opponent from the same league, away from home. Hitchin led the table, with a series of home wins and odds of 1.85. Royston, with defensive problems, had 4.50 to win.
The game at Top Field went according to the favourite's script: Hitchin took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. But Royston responded in the 30th minute when Golly Sheppard equalised with a long-range shot. In the 52nd minute, Tom Bradshaw put the visitors ahead, and in the 70th minute, Newton added a goal on the counterattack. The final score was 3-1. 623 spectators witnessed the triumph.
The odds of 4.50 provided winnings 4.5 times greater than the bet. Bettors on a draw in the first half (odds of 2.40) also won.