Mourning glory

POTTERS BAR TOWN 5 (M Lyon, T Burke, A Aransibia, D Talbot, C Ashton) ROYSTON TOWN 2 (J McMurrough, M Williams) THE Crows' final chance of cup glory this season ended with a shambolic defensive display. They were facing a Potters Bar team without a recognised goalkeeper throughout the second half, on Tuesday, after an injury to Richard Haywood. But Royston never looked capable of progressing to a South Midlands Floodlight Cup semi-final against Tring Athletic. All too often, the defence was stationary as Bar attacked down the wings, with Barry White having little chance with any of the hosts' goals. At the other end, forwards Jez McMurrough and Dean Jeffries were given no support as the Crows managed only four goal attempts all evening. The result against a Potters Bar team struggling at the foot of the Southern League Division One East could have been a lot worse for the visitors, with the hosts' Andy Martin managing to miss four sitters. Bar took an 18th-minute lead when a good ball from Tom Burke found Mike Lyon, who fired home at the far post. After Martin had managed to comically fall over the ball, Royston equalised on the half-hour mark. A cross from Paul Lamont found McMurrough, who sent a perfect volley past Haywood. Royston's joy lasted just three minutes before Bar regained the lead when the unmarked Tony Burke finished clinically. Haywood departed from the action at half-time after suffering a thigh injury while taking a goal-kick. He was replaced by outfield player Sam Ledger, but the Crows never really tested the stand-in keeper. Martin completed his hat-trick of missed chances and Burke fired straight at White before McMurrough managed a fierce shot which was well blocked by Andy Keepance with Ledger stranded. Royston levelled on the hour when a superb ball from Lee Rogers found Mark Williams, who gave Keepance little chance. That was as good as it got for the visitors. Within two minutes, a free-kick saw Andy Aransibia head home. Ryan Cannon managed Royston's fourth and final shot of the game when he fired at Ledger before Dan Talbot curled home a shot. The rout was completed in the 69th minute when White could only parry a shot and Carl Ashton snapped up the rebound. Royston: B White, P Lamont, R Cannon, S Snowden, P Chappell, C Geldart, L Rogers (M Saunders), M Williams, D Jeffries, C Silenti, J McMurrough (R Dove). Unused sub: M Saggers. - The Crows return to Garden Walk, on Saturday, when they host mid-table Tring.