Royston 4 Harpenden II 1 ROYSTON returned to winning ways as they defeated Harpenden in one of their best performances of the season. The game began at a fast pace, with Royston on top, but the home side failed to take early chances to score and c

Royston 4 Harpenden II 1

ROYSTON returned to winning ways as they defeated Harpenden in one of their best performances of the season.

The game began at a fast pace, with Royston on top, but the home side failed to take early chances to score and continued to push forward. Harpenden, outnumbering Royston in midfield caused the hosts some problems, but were unable to get a single shot on goal.

Owen Russell finally fired Royston in front, and some strong defending from Ben Jones and Duncan Warner kept the visitors at bay.

The second half began with Royston in the ascendancy, and goals from Russell and Dan Smith gave the home side a comfortable lead.

Although Chris Markham had not had to make a single open play save, Harpenden managed to get a goal from a short corner late on.

Any idea of a Harpenden comeback was quickly extinguished when Mack weaved his way into the D and slotted in Royston's fourth.

This makes Royston unbeaten in five games and puts them up to third in the league.

- Royston's second team went down 3-0 at Broxbourne III, while the ladies first and second teams were without games.

Blueharts V 1 Royston III 1

ROYSTON returned from Hitchin with a share of the points.

Michael Welding went the closest during the first half from a set piece routine on the far post, after a Bloomfield strike.

Going in at half-time 0-0 was frustrating, and Royston knew that Blueharts with two substitutes would come out hard.

As Royston continued to push centre-back Pete Belcher was left alone with Brunt beaten and as Pinner advanced to close the striker down the forward calmly slipped the ball under the advancing keeper to give the hosts the lead.

This appeared to galvanise Royston who gained a penalty corner within 10 minutes with Polge finding Yow.

Bloomfield stepped across not to shoot but to push the ball right to Bateman, whose first time shot hit the defender on the line and the ball rolled over to level the score.

This draw has left Royston in fifth position but if they can win their games in hand they can still challenge for a top three place.

Royston IV 9 Southgate Adelaide III 0

NINE man Southgate Adelaide were overwhelmed by a buoyant home side riding high on back-to-back wins.

Royston started very well quickly going two goals ahead, but a combination of determined defence by the visitors and poor attacking play by the home side meant that only two further goals were added by half-time.

The home side took full advantage of the extra players in the second half adding a further five goals.

There would have been a lot more without an exceptional performance by the Southgate goalkeeper.

The goals came from Keith Markham (4), Paul Visagie(2), Nick Broadley (2) and Craig Jackson.

Southgate Adelaide IV 3 Royston V 0

ONE again a strong Southgate side got the better of Royston although the first half did give Royston many chances in the first 20 minutes.

There was a period where Royston pressured the Southgate defence into giving away short corner after short corner, but they were unable to find the net. Southgate then went ahead just before half-time.

With Southgate able to bring on some fresh legs, Royston could not seem to find their form as in the first half and were forced to play with a player down after an injury. With Southgate now having the advantage two more goals soon followed.

The Royston side were not able to reply to this but showed once again that they were able to put together some good flowing hockey.