ROYSTON Town boss Phil Snowden is hoping his in-form strike partnership will fire his team to an opening day victory and ease his injury headache. The Crows return to league action at Bedford on Saturday in their first steps on the road to promotion back

ROYSTON Town boss Phil Snowden is hoping his in-form strike partnership will fire his team to an opening day victory and ease his injury headache.

The Crows return to league action at Bedford on Saturday in their first steps on the road to promotion back to the South Midlands Premier.

The club have had an impressive pre-season, with the squad showing Snowden their commitment ahead of the coming campaign.

But to Snowden's disbelief, on the eve of their opening game fixture with Bedford, Royston have suffered yet another injury crisis.

"However much you prepare - you can never foresee situations like this. I can't believe it's happening again," said Snowden.

"It's certainly not the ideal way to start the season and at the moment it looks like we'll have 10 players out."

Joining the long list is 22-year-old goalkeeper James Scott, who has been ruled out for up to four weeks.

Snowden has had to call up youth team midfielder Gregg Jackson as goalkeeper.

"Without anyone else I've had to bring Gregg in. He played a couple of games for us there last season and did all right. I have no other option," said Snowden.

Royston will also be missing Allan Reid's tough defending through suspension, and the white boots of Bruno Condutto, who's returned to Portugal.

The 18-year-old has been tempted back to his homeland after a first division club offered him 1000euros a week and the chance of a professional contract.

Snowden said: "Bruno looked like he could be a real asset to the club and it's a big blow to lose him, but we wish him all the best.

"I knew he had the potential to go on to a bigger club - I just didn't think it would happen so soon!"

However, Snowden does have the experience of son Stuart, Jason Nash, and Lee Rogers to call upon, as well as the enthusiasm of younger players such as Brett Perkiss.

But it's the goal-scoring ability of Dave McMurrough and Graham Tibbals that Snowden believes to be the key.

He said: "Tibbs and McMurrough have had a great pre-season and they've looked really sharp. I'm confident that they can score a lot of goals in this division and hopefully they can start on Saturday.

"It's so important that we get off to a good start, that's why the situation we are in at the moment comes as a big disappointment.

"I just hope Bedford are experiencing the same problems we are!" he joked.

nOn Tuesday Royston are at home to Hoddesdon Town in the league, kick-off 7.45pm.