Following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hertfordshire rivals Potters Bar Town, the Crows’ juggernaught cruised on with an eighth straight Southern League Division One Central triumph, this time at play-off rivals Barton Rovers on Monday.

Before the game, Royston and their Bedfordshire opponents were separated by just two points, but as has been the case in recent times, the visitors nullified their opponents. A strong backline, having not conceded from open play for an eighth consecutive game following this match, were the foundations for another fine result.

After some early sparring it was Royston who took the lead within the first 10 minutes.

Gary Hart sent a dangerous cross into the arriving Stuart Bridges, who connected with a running header.

Kyle Forster, in the Rovers goal, made a decent stop but the ball came back out to Bridges who blasted it in from five yards.

The home team’s frustration began to fester and a period of ugly break-up play marred the following segment of the game.

Despite the distruption, Royston weathered this storm and on 38 minutes they doubled their tally.

Good work from tireless Stevenage loan man Fejiri Okenabirhie fed Hart, who delivered another cross, for Ingrey to head goalwards.

Forster again made a decent stop but his block fell directly onto the sprawling Ingrey’s head and crept in.

Their two-goal advantage looked firm at the break.

The second half saw Royston boss the game, keeping their opponents well under control and superb midfield play by Spyros Mentis and the Bridges brothers dominated all challenges and the home team’s movement of Kevin Kilroy into the central midfield area was neutralised.

Unusually quiet, but well marshalled, Barton striker Lewis Putman departed the field on the hour mark, and at the same time, old warhorse Hart made way for the returning Kaan Fehmi.

With half hour to go, Steve Castle asked for more and despite Scott Bridges heading off the line, the Crows were never in danger.

However, a late low point for Royston came in the shape of a red card for Ingrey, following a tussle with ex-Crow Jhai Dhillon, who was also dismissed. Nevertheless, the points were already secured.