Steve Castle was full of praise for in-form hitman John Frendo after he notched Royston Town’s only goal in their 1-0 Southern League Division One Central victory at AFC Dunstable on Tuesday night.

The hosts had begun the season well, especially at their own Creasey Park ground, unbeaten in six matches before the visit of the Crows.

However, a thoroughly professional performance from Town saw them edge a game that was always there for the taking with former St Albans City striker Frendo notching his ninth goal of the season, a 70th-minute dink over stranded custodian Ricky Perks, to put Castle’s charges seven points clear at the top at this early stage.

Boss Castle told the Crow: “From the early-going it always seemed like the game would end with a 1-0 scoreline either way and for us to get the win is superb.

“The defence deserve a lot of plaudits for another clean sheet.

“At the other end, we brought John Frendo in [at the start of the season] for his goals and he probably missed as many shots as I’ve ever known him to tonight but he was always going to get that one [his goal].

“It was a sublime finish – a finish of someone who has the ability to be playing a lot higher.

“The good thing with John is he’s enjoying his football, he’s with his mates and long may that continue because he’s been a fantastic addition [to Royston Town].

“He came to us having done no pre-season work and it’s full testament to him and Scott Taylor, our fitness coach, that he’s got himself back.

“I didn’t think he’d have this many goals at this stage when we got him in but he’s scored in four straight games. He’s doing the business right now.”

Following this Dunstable triumph, Town’s seventh straight win in all competitions, they return to Garden Walk on Saturday ready to do battle with Northwood in FA Trophy first-round qualifying and Castle is not too disappointed it’s a break from their blistering league form.

He continued: “I’m not too worried what competition we’re playing in at the moment.

“The games can’t come thick and fast enough for us.

“I want everyone to know that we will treat the game with respect and really there’s no difference in my mindset between league and cup.

“It’s a home game against a team in our league so we want to win it.

“We don’t want draws or losses; we want wins.”