Substitute Luke Robins notched a brace and Scott Bridges and centre back Liam McDevitt grabbed the others as the Crows extended their unbeaten run to four and climbed to sixth in Southern League Division One Central.

Royston were without some first-team regulars for the trip so handed a debut to right back Danny May, with the Bridges brothers, Scott and Stuart, centrally positioned behind the lively front threee of Rhys Hoenes, Ryan Ingry and Rob Mason.

The pitch was particularly hard and bobbly but the Crows set about their business with Steve Castle demanding fast and urgent ball movement and restarts from numerous early free-kicks bringing Hoenes and Ingrey into play as quick as possible.

After some Crows pressure, the deadlock was finally broken on 24 minutes as May put over a good diagonal ball from right back and Scott Bridges rose to challenge keeper Anthony Ender and as the ball fell loose he was able to prod in at the second attempt.

That was the shot in the arm Royston required and, despite a scintillating run from Ingrey that led to a fizzing shot flying just over, the away side doubled their lead on 33 minutes.

Stuart Bridges’ free kick was delivered dangerously for McDevitt to rise at the front edge of the six-yard box and deflect in past Ender.

Six minutes before the break, Robins entered the fray for Ingrey, who felt unwell, but there were to be no further goals in the opening half

The stand-in striker only took eight minutes to stamp his mark on the game as a well-placed left foot finish hurtled into the bottom corner.

Soon after, the increasingly pro-active Mason smashed a shot against the bar with the keeper beaten and, on 66 minutes, a well-worked team move completed the scoring.

Good possession play then enabled Jack Bradshaw to deliver a perfect near post cross for Robins to run onto and volley home athletically just inside the upright.

With the game won and the heat playing its part the game played out with Royston comfortable and pleased with their afternoon’s endeavours.

They host North Greenford United at Garden Walk this Saturday. United lost 2-1 at Potters Bar last weekend.