CARL Edwards struck twice as Royston Town opened their league campaign with an impressive 4-0 win against Harpenden Town on Saturday. And in a one-sided first half The Crows were soon in front, with Ryan Lockett taking advantage of Andrew Saul s hesitati

CARL Edwards struck twice as Royston Town opened their league campaign with an impressive 4-0 win against Harpenden Town on Saturday.

And in a one-sided first half The Crows were soon in front, with Ryan Lockett taking advantage of Andrew Saul's hesitation, and when he rolled the ball across the face of the Harpenden box Tom Galvin made no mistake with a calm finish after 10 minutes.

For all Royston's attacking threat however, it was defenders Allan Reid and Lewis Endacott that caught the eye with their willingness to bring the ball forward setting the hosts on the road.

Endacott's clever support play and deliveries into the box carved out a couple of chances, while Reid's easiness on the ball laid the foundations for a number of forays into the visitors' box.

And it was from one such move that led to Royston's second after 40 minutes, with Reid's long pass cleverly touched into the path of Edwards by Craig Hammond - and with the midfielder taking an excellent first touch he despatched a classy strike from 25-yards, which left Harpenden keeper Kevin Christou well beaten.

Moments later Christou was beaten for a third time, when Hammond's quick short corner freed Robins, and when the winger whipped in a tricky low cross Reid reacted quickest, bundling the ball over the Harpenden line.

After the break Royston continued to put pressure on their rivals, with Hammond coming close to a fourth when he met Tom Malins' pin-point pass with a stinging drive.

At the other end Reid and defensive partner David Cain remained largely untroubled, however Ali Collins did offer moments of threat, although it was Chris Gregory who went closest for Harpenden with one looping header.

Royston eased off as the half progressed, and with the visitors seemingly running out of ideas both sides were limited to a few half chances.

Edwards completed a comfortable afternoon by adding his second and Royston's fourth with eight minutes to go with another thumping strike from outside the box leaving Christou stranded once more.

Assistant manager Duncan Easley said: "It was a good start for us, and it was important for us to get off to a good start, and set the tone. And to do that with a 4-0 win was obviously very pleasing.

"It was a solid performance and overall we looked very good - right across the pitch. Ryan and Craig linked up very well and it was also nice to see some goals coming from the midfield. So all in all it was the start we all wanted."

Royston Town: Williamson; Endacott, Debnam, Reid, Cain; Galvin, Edwards, Malins, Robins; Hammond, Lockett. (Subs): Chaffey, Young, Turl.