ROYSTON TOWN 0 RUISLIP MANOR 2 (M Swaysland 2) THE Crows saw their FA Vase dreams shattered as their dismal season continued on Saturday. While boss Phil Snowden seemed to have solved some of the defensive problems that have plagued his side during the e

ROYSTON TOWN 0

RUISLIP MANOR 2

(M Swaysland 2)

THE Crows saw their FA Vase dreams shattered as their dismal season continued on Saturday.

While boss Phil Snowden seemed to have solved some of the defensive problems that have plagued his side during the early weeks of the season, the home side created little up front and never looked capable of beating a Ruislip side who had taken just seven points from their opening seven Spartan South Midlands League games.

With keeper Scott Statham dropped and back-up Russell Jones injured, Snowden drafted in 16-year-old youth team keeper Sam Boot for his debut, and despite the youngster's only previous senior experience being in the North Herts League with Baldock, he produced a solid performance.

Former Stansted midfielder Carey Wright also made his debut as Snowden continues his search for a combination for his struggling team, with Juan Alanzabes being named on the bench for the first time after receiving international clearance.

An even start to a free-kick littered game saw Wright send a long range effort wide and Jason Nash try two hopeful efforts from 25 yards.

The visitors gradually took control, with Lee Rogers lucky to avoid a yellow card after a late challenge, and they took the lead 11 minutes before the break.

A long ball forward from Chris Henry was latched on to by Mickey Swaysland, who clinically slid the ball under Booth.

Within a minute Swaysland had the ball in the net again, only to see the effort ruled offside.

Ruslip's Anthony Payne, and Dave McMurrough for the home side, both went close during the closing minutes of the first half, but it was the visitors who started strongly after the break, and they effectively wrapped up the win in the 53rd minute.

Swaysland cut in from the left, and after firing the ball at Booth, no defender was on hand to collect the rebound, and the veteran striker buried his second effort.

The visitors seemed content to sit back on their advantage from then onwards, and with the midfield providing little help for the forwards, Manor comfortably progressed to a first round tie at Tiptree.

Royston: S Booth, P Chappell (A Huckle), R Cannon, S Snowden, A Reid (C Geldart), J Nash, K Ofori, C Wright, E Kitenge, L Rogers, D McMurrough (J Alanzabe). Unused subs: R Rowlinson, L Revell.

n The Crows were due to travel to Biggleswade Town last night [Wednesday] for a bottom-of-the-table clash before hosting eighth placed Welwyn Garden City at Garden Walk on Saturday.