When you’re fighting at either end of the table, the only thing that matter is the three points and Royston Town’s 1-0 Southern League Division One Central win at relegation-threatened Hanwell Town on Saturday epitomised that very stance.

Ryan Towner’s left-foot half-volley on the hour settled the bitty affair, played on a testing surface due to the poor recent weather.

The triumph helped the Crows to keep in touch with the league pacesetters and extend their winning run to three games and manager Steve Castle could not ask for anymore.

Castle said: “It wasn’t a great performance from us but considering the awful pitch conditions for both teams, all the players deserve plaudits for attempting to play their football.

“Full marks to Hanwell Town and their ground staff for getting the match on but as I said it was never going to be a classic.

“A win is a win though and although all our nearest rivals won and scored plenty, we are still on a good run and need to keep it going.”

Prior to the game, the Crows were rocked by news that key centre-back Joe De La Salle and his brother had been involved in a car crash four days before which had left both in hospital.

Joe was released from hospital on crutches with severe bruising but is set to miss several important league matches starting with the visit of Petersfield Town to Garden Walk this Saturday.

In his absence, Castle is hoping the rest of the squad can draw strength to deliver some important victories for the stricken defender.

Castle continued: “On behalf of the staff and players, we wish Joe De La Salle and his brother a full and speedy recovery from their very serious car accident.

“Our thoughts and best wishes are with you both.”

On the current league situation, he added: “This year it seems that the league will go all the way to the end of the season to decide the title winner.

“We need to stay in there and believe. There’s no reason why we can’t win it and recent events surrounding Joe should give us the thought of doing it for him.”

n Royston’s proposed re-arranged league clash with Potters Bar Town, scheduled for this Tuesday (January 26) has been moved as the Scholars are now in Red Insure Cup action.