Clash of the titans

ALL eyes will be on Garden Walk this weekend as top-of-the-table Royston Town host second placed Kings Langley.

The two best teams in South Midlands Division One are both currently on 44 points but Royston have the comfort of knowing they have played two less games than their rivals.

Royston's chance to go three points clear last week was wrecked by the weather when their game against Tokyngton Manor was called off and because his players have not played for over a week, boss Paul Attfield was expecting to give a number of them a run out in the reserves match against Cheshunt in the Floodlit cup last night (Wednesday).

Royston had some good news on the injury front this week with defender Lewis Endacott and striker Ryan Lockett making strides on their way back to recovery.

It was hoped that both could play some part in last night's game.

However Royston have been dealt a blow with the news that speedy left winger Luke Robins hasn't responded as well as he would have liked to treatment on the badly twisted ankle injured against Sporting London e Benfica in November and is likely to miss yet more games for the club.

Attfield has also learnt that versatile player Ross Collins could be out for the rest of the season following a knee injury he picked up against the same team.

That said, Attfield does have a strong squad of young players at his disposal in case of further injury problems, many of whom have already shown they can make the step up to the Royston first team.

Despite the excitement surrounding this weekend's match, manager Paul Attfield has played down its importance.

He said: "Much is being made of the Kings Langley game but to me it is just another 90 minutes for the right to gain three points.

"Nothing will be decided by the end of the game. The only time I legitimately get nervous is when Tottenham are winning a football match.

"We have always given big performances when we have had to this season and I would expect the lads to do the same again.