Royston 2 Stevenage 1 OWEN Russell s brace was enough to seal all three points for Royston and see them go joint top of the table, in a memorable victory over ­Stevenage at the weekend. Despite having seven squad players missing, Royston started

Royston 2 Stevenage 1

OWEN Russell's brace was enough to seal all three points for Royston and see them go joint top of the table, in a memorable victory over ­Stevenage at the weekend.

Despite having seven squad players missing, Royston started well, and from the early exchanges looked the most threatening.

They were rewarded with a goal midway through the first half, when Russell fired home after an excellent passing move with Simon Mansfield.

Dan Smith also looked dangerous down the right wing, and as the visitors pressed forward, Royston hit back with another goal, with Russell on hand once more.

Royston keeper Chris Markham was then called into action with Stevenage upping the tempo in the second half.

But despite making a couple of excellent saves, Markham was finally beaten after a strong Stevenage break down the right.

Both teams had further chances to score, and three great ­opportunities fell to Stevenage.

Fortunately for Royston, Nathan Sugden was on hand in midfield with his play breaking up the majority of the visitors' counter attacks.

Royston II 0 Stevenage III 3

ANOTHER crushing defeat sent Royston to the bottom of the table, with a strong Stevenage side in complete control.

Stevenage dominated the game from the start as Royston created very few chances throughout.

And after the visitors' constant pressure it was only a matter of time before they opened their account and quickly found the backboard with pinpoint accuracy.

It was a frustrating defeat for Royston, but with the whole season ahead of them they have plenty of time to turn it around - and after showing glimpses of what they are capable of, they should have nothing to worry about.

Royston III 5 Royston IV 0

IT was the game everyone was waiting for - and it was Royston thirds who came out on top.

Having lost their first game of the season, Royston fourths had everything to play for.

However, they were no match for the thirds, who powered home five goals.

Paul Visagie grabbed a hat-trick, while Nick Freeman and Andrew Symondson added to the fourths' misery with two more strikes.

Royston V 0 Harlow 5

ROYSTON'S warm-up to the start of their league season did not go to plan as they shipped five goals against a skilful Harlow side.

Harlow dominated this friendly from the off and thanks to two well-worked moves led 2-0 at half -time.

It was a scoreline that could have been remarkably different if it had not been for Gary Pinner's excellent display in the Royston goal.

Despite what the score suggested, Royston battled across the pitch as Ed Hall, George Moffat, and Nathan Capay got to grips with the opposition.

However, despite a vast second -half improvement, Royston had no answer to Stevenage's relentless attacks, which resulted in three more goals.

Royston start their league season on Saturday with a tough game against Bishop's Stortford.