The Royston v Needham Market trilogy played out over the last week, came to an end as the Marketmen recorded a comfortable 4-2 victory at Garden Walk.

Royston started the livelier but found themselves a goal down in the 7th minute, as diminutive winger Adam Mills converted a header from a near post corner delivered by Gareth Heath.

Royston almost replied immediately, but David Mooney poked his shot wide when well placed. The Crows were however level in the 27th minute, as Vance Bola coolly lobbed over away custodian Jake Jessup, having latched onto Joe Welch’s long punt forward.

The Marketmen restored their lead as Reece Dobson fired in from 20 yards, but Bola ensured Royston went into the break on level terms after a fine individual run and shot restored parity.

The game was effectively decided in the first five minutes of the second half. Three minutes in Mills unleashed a shot that took a big enough deflection to beat the scrambling Welch and two minutes later Dobson pounced on a loose ball to drill home.

Royston were never really given a look in and had Welch to thank for keeping them in the game, as a series of fine saves kept the visitors at bay. With the home side not thinking things could get worse, a second yellow card for Adam Murray ensured the Crows had an afternoon to forget.

Royston: 1-Welch, 2-Yamfam (15-Endacott 49), 3-Norville-Williams, 4-Dawson, 5- Corlett (17-Mentis 14 (12-Newman 61)), 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Bola, 8-Joseph, 9-Murray, 10-Potton, 11-Mooney

Unused: 14-Gallin, GK-Smart

MOM: Vance Bola