Robins hits double to help Royston see off Jets

Royston Town 4

Oxhey Jets 1

SSMFL Premier Division

THE CROWS opened up a five-point gap over nearest challengers Dunstable Town with a win over Oxhey Jets on Tuesday night at Garden Walk.

With their most recent performances being of the highest quality this was a difficult night for Paul Attfield’s side as for some reason they struggled to pass the ball with their usual fluency and failed to get any decent control of the game. Matt Standen gave Royston the lead on 22 minutes before Luke Robins doubled their advantage moments later. Robins scored again 10 minutes into the second half before Anthony Shepherd pulled one back for the visitors just past the hour mark. Martin Standen rounded off the match with a header a minute from time.

With no worthwhile chances created the Crows opened the scoring from nothing with their first clear effort at goal. Jack Bradshaw picked up a loose ball on the left and played a good ball into the box which fell nicely for Matt Standen who beat the ‘keeper to the ball and slotted home. The lead was doubled three minutes later when a ball was deflected into the path of Robins who raced into the area and angled a low drive across the ‘keeper and into the far corner.

The two-goal cushion was taken into the interval but while the hosts tried to up their game, they continued to be wasteful in possession. The few times they did manage to put together decent movement of the ball chances were created. Ryan Lockett and Matt Standen fired inches over and wide respectively and Jason Beck headed Lockett’s corner just over the top.

It was from a set-play that the Crows added a third goal on 56 minutes. Again Lockett whipped in a near-post corner with Robins sending a bullet header high into the net.

The visitors began to look more lively as the game wore on, showing more attacking intent and after a sustained period of pressure they were awarded a penalty after Beck had fouled and Shepherd sent Will Norris the wrong way. Jets won more corners and enjoyed good possession in Royston’s half but lacked a cutting edge and never really looked like getting back into the match.

At the other end Robins was unlucky not to get a hat-trick with one volleyed chance off target and another close-range effort just going into the side netting. However he set up the final goal when his free-kick found substitute Martin Standen who arrived with a thumping header from 10 yards giving the ‘keeper no chance.

Royston Town: Norris, Endacott, Bradshaw, McGrandles, Beck, Collins, Edwards (Martin Standen), Lockett (Clemo), Matt Standen, Kaan Fehmi (Young), Robins.

Att: 144