It would not be a surprise for Royston schools to use R is for Royston when teaching children the alphabet. It would not be a surprised if for this week they also said R is for relief.

Royston Town Football Club ended a frustrating run of one point in the last eight Southern League Premier Division Central games by beating Long Eaton United 3-0 at Garden Walk.

They got off to the perfect start with Oluwajuwon Akintunde putting them in front after four minutes but that had to wait until the final 17 minutes before Adam Murray and Damaray Anyadike sealed the three points.

The match also saw a presentation to 'Mr Royston', club president Alan Barlow who received a lifetime achievement award from the Herts Sports Partnership.

Executive board member Annie Brewster  and Jane Parker led the presentation party to a humbled Barlow, who has dedicated 49 years and counting to both the football club and the wider Royston community.

Brewster said: "‘Sport for Good’ has so many proven positive outcomes for everyone involved and the strong community culture developed by Alan over nearly 50 years with Royston Town FC is clear for all to see and enjoy."

Current Crows chairman, Steve Jackson, added: "‘Mr Royston’ is our community champion and continues to be the driving force behind Royston Town Football Club."

The ladies though could not carry on the glad tidings as they were beaten 1-0 away to St Albans City in the Eastern Region League Cup.

The only goal of the delayed round tie came on 22 minutes from Terri Harvey and manager Lewis Endacott felt they hadn't reached the levels they normally do.

Speaking to the club's YouTube channel he said: "I think it showed that we haven't had a game for a few weeks. We were a little bit rusty.

"Having said that, we were nowhere near our best and we still created a lot of opportunities and controlled the game in spells.

"That little cutting edge in the final third was what was missing."

The game also saw Stacey Roper stretchered off after a clash of heads.