ROYSTON Town could close the gap at the top of the South Midlands League Division One on Saturday when they entertain league leaders Stony Stratford Town. And depending on the outcome of last night s (Wednesday) match between high-flying Kentish Town and

ROYSTON Town could close the gap at the top of the South Midlands League Division One on Saturday when they entertain league leaders Stony Stratford Town.

And depending on the outcome of last night's (Wednesday) match between high-flying Kentish Town and Harpenden, a win for The Crows could lift them to top spot.

However, manager Paul Attfield has warned that his side must up their game if they are to take the points against a side unbeaten in six games.

Despite Royston's 4-0 victory over Cheshunt Reserves last Saturday, Attfield was left disappointed, and described their first half showing as "poor".

He told The Crow: "I thought we were very subdued and as a result we never really got going.

"The first half performance was poor and it was without doubt our worst display since I've been at the club.

"If I was the Cheshunt manager I would have been very disappointed at not taking anything from the game.

"I know what I must sound like, especially after a 4-0 win, but it wasn't anywhere near the standards we have set in recent months.

"We had five chances and scored four goals, one of which came from a penalty and another from a goalkeeping mistake - for me we didn't create enough.

"If we play like that again on Saturday, I don't think we will be so lucky!"

And The Crows will have to be on top of their game against Stony Stratford Town, who will be looking for revenge following Royston's 3-2 win in December - their only defeat in 11 league games.

The Milton Keynes club will also want to keep ahead of the chasing pack with Kentish Town, Haringey Borough, Hoddesdon, and New Bradwell St Peter also vying for the promotion places.

Attfield said: "I don't want to make too much of the game with Stony Stratford because there are still plenty of games to play.

"The players shouldn't need motivating, but there's a ­possibility we could go top.

"I'm sure Stony Stratford will be up for the game, we just need to want it more than them.

"Our home form has been very good, so I'm confident we can continue with that."

And with a number of away trips on the horizon, it is vital that The Crows maintain their impressive Garden Walk form, especially in entering this ­crucial stage of the season.

Four away games follow Saturday's fixture, including difficult trips to rivals Hoddesdon and Kentish Town in mid March - games that could determine who goes up.

Attfield said: "We have only four home games left, and we have to be looking at four wins. We can't afford to drop points at home because it's so tight at the top.

"It's going to be an interesting battle, and I think it will be all about who can hold their nerve!