61 FC Luton 3 Royston Town Res 3 TOWN S reserves finally got the season underway with an entertaining draw with league rivals 61 FC Luton on Saturday. Royston went close three times in the first 20 minutes. They took the lead when Mike Bloss connected w

61 FC Luton 3

Royston Town Res 3

TOWN'S reserves finally got the season underway with an entertaining draw with league rivals 61 FC Luton on Saturday.

Royston went close three times in the first 20 minutes.

They took the lead when Mike Bloss connected with a deep free-kick from Tim Jarman.

But the hosts drew level from the re-start with a finish that left new keeper Adam Roberts stranded.

And things got worse for The Crows when the Luton-based side took the lead following a well-taken corner.

Ten minutes into the second half Town introduced Gary Christie and Scot Crosk to inject more pace and power, and it was Christie who almost made an immediate difference when he freed Graham Tibbals for a great chance.

Royston deservedly drew level with Tibbals rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net.

They thought they had sealed victory with a Crosk header, but a defensive mistake allowed the hosts to bag a share of the points.

Manager Kevin Wilson said: "The defending for two of their goals was woeful - something that we will need to address."

Braintree Town Ladies 1 Royston Town Ladies 0

ROYSTON started this league cup tie with some neat passing football, and Emma Chaffey was unlucky to see several efforts narrowly clear the bar.

A superb VJ Foulger corner should have seen Royston take the lead but no one was able to get the vital touch.

As the half continued Royston allowed Braintee to edge back into the game and only a fine clearance from Daniella Lewis just before half time prevented them from taking the lead.

In a closely-matched second half, Royston's best opportunities fell to Rebecca Robinson, and Leanne Buchanan from another Foulger set piece.

The match looked certain for extra time until a mix-up between Buchanan and goal-keeper Clare Draper saw a clearance fall to the feet of a Braintree striker and she slotted home the winner.