Takeley 3 Royston Town 2 ROYSTON Town continued their steps towards the start of the new league season, with manager Paul Attfield taking many positives from his side s narrow 3-2 defeat. In what was an

Take That as Royston Slip to Pre-Season Defeat

Takeley 3 Royston Town 2

ROYSTON Town continued their steps towards the start of the new league season, with manager Paul Attfield taking many positives from his side's narrow 3-2 defeat.

In what was an entertaining affair, Attfield's young Crows were more than a match for a strong and experienced Takeley with the score line seemingly harsh on Town's attacking prowess.

Ringing the changes, Attfield shuffled his pack once more, with only three of the squad that beat Met Police Bushey on Tuesday evening travelling with the squad.

On the back of an impressive 2-2 draw with Ryman League side Ware, the hosts took a deserved lead after 38 minutes with a Takeley striker deflecting the ball home.

However, just before the break, tricky winger Luke Robins grabbed his second goal in two games, when his exquisite strike into the top corner left the Takeley keeper stranded.

A livelier second half performance followed for The Crows, with Robins having two shots well saved, before cannoning one effort against the post.

Youngster Arron Welch also had an effort cleared off from the line, with striker Ryan Lockett also going close with a confident header.

However, just when the visitors were getting into the attacking stride, Takeley hit them on the break and snatched two more goals.

The hosts then went on the defensive as Attfield's side forced them back as Lockett and Robins ghosted forward. As a result of some fine play Royston were quickly rewarded with a second, with Mark Wright capping an impressive display with a deserved header.

Jordan Gibson did have to make two stunning saves late on, but it was Royston who finished the stronger with Robins and Jan Stephens testing the Takeley number one.

Attfield said: "It was an excellent work out and an entertaining game between two good sides. With just over a week until the new league campaign starts it was just the tonic we required."

Royston Town: Gibson; Endacott, Geldart, Debnam, Cain; De Lacy, Welch, Edwards; Wright, Lockett, Robins. (Subs): Stephens, Beaumont, Young.