ROYSTON Town manager Paul Attfield conceded that his side s season is over following two defeats in four days. After a brief flirtation at the top of the South Midlands League Division One table, The Crows had looked well set for a promotion place on the

ROYSTON Town manager Paul Attfield conceded that his side's season is over following two defeats in four days.

After a brief flirtation at the top of the South Midlands League Division One table, The Crows had looked well set for a promotion place on the back of a 17-game unbeaten run.

However, after losing for the third time in six matches their quest looks all but over.

They needed to beat Arlesey Athletic on Saturday to have any realistic chance of going up, but Terry Lock's 82nd minute strike ended any such hope.

Attfield told The Crow: "Our season's over now, and promotion is off the cards. We've given it a good shot, but we just fell short.

"Saturday's defeat was disappointing and we could well have scored five or six. That was the problem - we just couldn't take our chances.

"I think our draw with Ampthill last month was the real turning point, and from there things seemed to get difficult."

The club had hoped to pick themselves up with a shot at the Herts FA Charity Shield in Tuesday night's semi-final with Tring Athletic. But two goals in 10 minutes from Ty North and David Whicker cancelled out Craig Hammond's 25th minute opener.

"We were a bit unfortunate, and perhaps we could have taken more from the game," said Attfield.

"They're a decent team, and showed why they are in the Premier Division. Their second goal was very lucky and at times we gave them a good game.

"On another night we could well have come away with a win."

With three league games left, Attfield will be giving players on the periphery of a first team place a chance, with Liam Beaumont, Gregg Jackson, Chris Geldart, and Ricky Young all expected to see some playing time.

"It's a chance to try a few things out and look at players that haven't been involved so much," said Attfield.

"I'm already looking at next season and our plans for pre-season will be very much geared towards another push for promotion.

"After coming in with 10 games already played, it will be nice to play all 36 next time.

"The club had just eight points at that time, so we've done remarkably well to get as far as we have.

"My main aim was to just get the club to safety having been bottom for a long period. Then that transpired into our fantastic run.

"It's been a reasonably successful season and myself, Tony Galvin, and the players have all learned a lot. And I think the disappointment of the last few weeks will stand us in good stead for next season.

"If I'm honest I don't think we were ready for the Premier Division. We need another season. We lack a bit of experience in places, and that's something I'll be addressing in the summer."

n On Saturday Royston travel to Buckingham Athletic.