Royston Town 3 (L Rogers, J McMurrough, J Lavelle) Oxhey Jets 1 (T O Mara) JAMES Lavelle was in sparkling form as the Crows chalked up their second successive Spartan South Midlands League victory on Saturday (October 21). After failing to win in their f

Royston Town 3

(L Rogers, J McMurrough, J Lavelle)

Oxhey Jets 1

(T O'Mara)

JAMES Lavelle was in sparkling form as the Crows chalked up their second successive Spartan South Midlands League victory on Saturday (October 21).

After failing to win in their first six league games, Phil Snowden's team have now moved up to 17th place in the table, and although they are far from safe, they have a five-point cushion over the sides in the relegation zone.

"We played really well," said delighted club chairman Graham Phillips.

"Oxhey looked good for the first 20 minutes and controlled the game, but we settled down and worked hard.

"James Lavelle played up front on his own, but he was well supported by the midfield, and Jez McMurrough also did really well in the centre of the park."

Lavelle, who started the campaign as a full-back, has been a revelation since being switched to the Crows' front-line during the league cup exit against AFC Dunstable, and his pace caused panic in the Oxhey defence all afternoon.

Four of the five bookings the visitors picked up were as a result of fouls on the PT instructor from Bassingbourn Barracks, and fittingly he set up the Crows' opening goal in the 42nd minute.

Lavelle's cross was met by Lee Rogers, who did well to stay on his feet after being fouled, and the diminutive midfielder slotted the ball home.

McMurrough made it 2-0 six minutes after the break with well-taken effort, and any thoughts the visitors had of a comeback were ended midway through the second half when Lavelle netted the third to wrap up the victory.

Oxhey snatched a consolation deep into injury time when Tim O'Mara beat Peter Chappell down the wing and slipped the ball under Chris Chambers.

Royston: C Chambers, P Chappell, A Reid, S Snowden, C Geldart (S N'Dombe), R Cannon (K Amankwah), J McMurrough, L Rogers, J Lavelle (A Stokes), C Edwards.

- The Crows were due to travel to Oxhey last night in the second round of the Premier Division Cup before visiting mid-table Ruislip Manor in a league game on Saturday.

Kojo Ofori and Jason Nash will miss both games through suspension, but Nash will be available for next Wednesday's Herts Senior Cup trip to St Albans City.

City are expected to field their reserves in the game, but if they draw their FA Cup tie against Yeading on Saturday (October 28), the game is likely to be called off.