Skipper Scott Bridges hit a delightful double as Royston Town thrashed Aylesbury United 4-0 at the ASM Stadium to surge to the Southern League Division One Central summit.

With Kings Langley being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Godalming Town, the Crows took full advantage of the situation on Saturday and further goals from Jack Bradshaw, another penalty to add to his growing collection, and Ryan Towner ensured a happy Easter for Steve Castle’s men.

The game began in untidy fashion but an early deflected free-kick from Bridges which rattled the bar and a Ryan Frater header over from the resultant corner put the visitors in full control.

Finally on 25 minutes a ball in from the right was handled by a home defender and Bradshaw stuck the ball away from the spot.

Two minutes later and it was two. A good move led to a cross in from the left and a clever knockdown by Simon Thomas found Towner on hand to finish with skill and accuracy.

With a good two-goal half-time advantage secured against the worsening weather conditions, it was certainly an uphill task for the bedraggled home side and Castle took the opportunity to rest a few players ready for tomorrow’s (Monday) clash against Ware at Garden Walk.

Towner made way for Martel Powell but the change certainly didn’t derail Royston.

The third goal secured the game on 54 minutes as Bridges picked up the ball just inside the Ducks’ half and with his opponents backing off he kept good control and surged forward on an impressive solo run. A last minute shimmy totally dummied Zaki Oualah in the home goal and he shot home easily for 3-0.

This triggered the final double team changes with Chris Watters giving way for Gus Scott-Morriss and Thomas being changed for Reece Dobson.

The scoring was completed on 78 minutes, again by the buoyant Bridges who was set up centrally, drove forward and executed a perfect lob over Oualah to underline an emphatic win. A controlled performance by centre-halves Ryan Frater and Tommy Hull also helped to produce another well-marshalled clean sheet.

With seven games to go, the title is firmly in Royston’s capable hands.