ROYSTON Town boss Phil Snowden has warned his players: play like you did on Saturday and you will be out of the FA Vase. As the Crows slipped to their fourth league defeat of the season, Snowden insisted that his players raise their game ahead of Saturda

ROYSTON Town boss Phil Snowden has warned his players: play like you did on Saturday and you will be out of the FA Vase.

As the Crows slipped to their fourth league defeat of the season, Snowden insisted that his players raise their game ahead of Saturday's FA Vase first round clash with Division One rivals Harpenden.

Snowden told The Crow: "It was a ­disappointing result and performance against Arlesey and we really lacked passion.

"The commitment and determination that we have seen in recent weeks went missing.

"I don't know what happened, but one thing is clear - if they play like that again we'll be out of the cup."

Some of the club's best performances have been saved for the FA Vase, with Royston knocking out both FC Clacton and Bedfont.

"We've looked very good in the cup games," said Snowden.

"They seem to raise their game for the big matches and they've played some of their best football.

"For some reason we're struggling to do the same in the league and against teams they really should be beating."

Royston were without key players Lee Rogers and Seb Ndombe against Arlesey, and lost another in the shape of Michael Baker after just five minutes of play.

They did, however, welcome back club captain Stuart Snowden, with the Royston boss also given youngster Max Margiotta his debut.

"I had to make a few changes which is never ideal, but I thought those who came in were probably our better players," said Snowden.

"Stuart did well in his first game for a while, and Max came in and also looked good."

Another young player also caught the eye, with Nathan Davenport scoring his first goal in only his second appearance.

Snowden said: "Nathan looked really lively when he came on and he was one of the more positives to have come out of the game.

"Both Nathan and Max have been in good form for the reserves and they deserved their chance.

"Nathan took his goal well. He's got a lot of pace and has an eye for goal ."

Rogers and Ndombe are both set to face Harpenden, with Michael Bloss or Peter Chappell pencilled in to replace Baker at the heart of the Crows defence.

Garden Walk may too, see the appearance of Royston's newest signing - the elusive Nicky Morgan.

"I'm going to have to jiggle the team around a little, with Lee and Seb back in contention," said Snowden.

"I'm also hoping to use Nicky at some point and after some complications with his former club he's now free to play.

"I'm confident we can progress, and ­Harpenden is certainly one of the teams we should be beating.

"We're playing at home and near enough at full strength, so it really is in our hands.