ROYSTON Town manager Paul Attfield could not hide his disappointment after seeing his side’s play-off hopes dealt a severe blow with a 2-2 draw at home to Northwood last night (Tuesday).

Royston Crow: Royston's Man of the Match Lewis EndacottRoyston's Man of the Match Lewis Endacott (Image: kevrich66@hotmail.com RTFC v Northwood)

That result means Royston are left praying for slip-ups from the two teams above them currently occupying the final play-off places - Biggeslwade Town and Beaconsfield.

However Biggleswade could well be safe and sound by the time you read this as they were due to travel to take on Guildford last night (Wednesday) after The Crow had gone to press.

Beaconsfield need just a point from their final game on Saturday, away at Ashford Town, to guarantee their spot. Biggleswade host Burnham, who are champions barring a huge swing of goals, while Royston know nothing less than a victory away at AFC Hayes will suffice.

Attfield was in a reflective mood when asked of his side’s chances.

“It’s going to be a big ask for us now, we just have to concentrate on getting the win on Saturday and got to rely on other teams doing us a favour.

“But you have got to give credit to Beaconsfield; they have kept going and got a super win against the form team in the division since Christmas [Godalming away, last night].”

Tom Malins and Ross Collins were Royston’s goalscorers against Northwood in a game Attfield felt his side deserved no more than what they got.

“I thought we were poor for 60 minutes out there, it looked like there was nothing riding on it, it was almost like a training game or a friendly,” added the Crows boss.

“We looked nervous, jaded and lacked intensity; you’re never going to win in this league when you only play for 30 minutes.

“The pressure on the last games is immense, we have to hope one of the two above us slip up.”