Royston see off promotion rivals Guildford City on Saturday

Royston Town 3

Guildford City 2

Evo-Stik Southern Central Division

THE Crows flew back to the top of the table after defeating Guildford City on a wet and miserable day that levelled the playing field, but still saw two strong teams compete admirably in a thrilling match.

It couldn’t have started any better for the home side as they took the lead in the third minute when Carl Edwards shot home a low Luke Robins cross.

Guildford levelled the scored 20 minutes later with Ben Rayner scoring only for the Crows to react immediately and they regained the lead four minutes later when the lively Ryan Lockett converted another Robins cross to take the lead into the half-time break.

With Jack Bradshaw and Joe DeLaSalle marshalling the defence brilliantly, Royston created numerous chances to try and put this game beyond their visitors and seven minutes into the second half Lockett beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper and cut back a fine pass that skipper Ross Collins powered into the net.

Guildford stepped up a gear and put pressure on the home side and their persistence won them a penalty in the 66th minute that Dan Moody converted low into the bottom left corner past the diving Will Norris.

The Crows continued to push forward taking the game to their opponents but couldn’t add to their goal tally and this well-contested game finished with a hard fought, but deserved victory for Royston.

Royston Town: Norris, Parr, Endacott (Wilson 75), Bradshaw, DeLaSalle, Spencer, Edwards (Ingrey 70), Collins (c), Standen (Malins 80), Lockett, Robins.

Man of the Match: Jack Bradshaw

Attendance: 207