Another win, another clean sheet and another performance that adds considerable weight to Royston Town’s Southern League Division One Central title aspirations.

On paper, this seemed like a tricky clash after the Crows had lost the reverse fixture at Garden Walk back in December but they showed terrific professionalism to claim the 2-0 win.

On a bobbly pitch, the first half was a cagey encounter of poor quality, illuminated with the one moment of sheer brilliance that was skipper Scott Bridges’ perfectly-struck goal from a nudged free-kick on 41 minutes that soared into the net for the opener.

The second half was certainly different as the Crows came out with a more definitive gameplan.

While the standard of football did not leap noticeably, the visitors dominated from start to finish, not allowing the home side to settle and winning the midfield battle across the park.

Ryan Ingrey, on as a first half substitute for the injured Erkan Okay, was causing problems up the right-hand side and following a surge and cut-back in the 74th minute, he was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box.

The returning Jack Bradshaw powered home the penalty to put the game beyond their visibly tiring hosts.

The only real downside on the day was watching Ingrey hobble off late on with what looked like an ankle injury – hopefully nothing too serious. The title dream is very much alive and kicking for Steve Castle’s men.

Several surprising results, including leaders’ Kings Langley’s loss at Potters Bar Town, leaves everything in Royston’s hands.

Town now have two games in three days over the Easter weekend with a trip to Aylesbury United on Saturday before hosting Ware on Easter Monday.