| Date | Saturday 6 April 2013 |
| Match | Royston Town v Slough Town |
| Competition | Evo-Stik League Southern: Central Division One |
| Result | Won 2-0 |
| Royston Scorers | Lockett, Robins |
| Attendance | 251 |
| Crows MoM | Joe De La Salle |
The Two R’s Cut The Rebels Down
By Jez Izod
Royston clinically capitalized on two individual mistakes by the away side to give the Crows a massive three points towards their charge to Southern League glory.
The Rebels arrived at Garden Walk on the back of two defeats and were looking for an immediate response in their own quest for promotion. It was Slough that made the early running with Ryan O’Toole wasting a decent opportunity in the first minute when his shot skied over the Royston crossbar.
Jake Parsons tested the home defence but his was superbly marshalled away by Joe De La Salle.
As the clock hit ten minutes a brilliant ball was played by Dave Deeney to the impressive Adam Martin and again the brave De La Salle quickly picked his pocket and cleared for a relieved Royston defence.
Slough sensed opportunities against a resilient defence and Danny Burnell scampered down the left flank, his cross was met by the head of Kyle Anthony but his effort went just wide of the target.
The best opportunity of the match fell to the Rebels on 30 minutes after a cross was not promptly dealt with, the lurking Burnell had time and space but shot just over the bar.
A minute later saw hearts in mouths time after the referee unfairly blew for a free kick to Slough. Up stepped Dave Deeney but his fizzing effort fell straight into the hands of a grateful Will Norris.
Slough continued to press forward and the excellent De La Salle cleared efforts from Burnell and O’Toole to keep the Crows with a foothold in the game.
With half time approaching, disaster occurred for the away side after a Lewis Endacott effort was ineptly dealt with, the reliable Lockett slotted home from just inside the box to give the Crows a crucial lead.
The second period saw the Rebels come screaming out of the blocks in their determination for an equalising goal. Jake Parsons tested Norris with a long range effort, but the young stopper was equal to it. Burnell also had a run checked by De La Salle as Slough searched for a break through.
On 71 minutes Martin broke free into the Royston area, but an alert Norris dived bravely at the fullback's feet to end the attack.
With Dalton O’Brien replacing Lewis Endacott on 73 minutes, the young forward wasted little time in trying to impress the watching Paul Attfield. Kaan Fehmi played a superb ball to O’Brien, but just as the trigger was being pressed, Dave Woozley showed his years of experience and cleared the ball.
The Crows did not have to wait long to extend their lead, after a goal kick was met by Luke Robins, who flicked over the onrushing defender and then lobbed the ball from distance over a stranded James Warrington. Robins proceeded with his trade mark celebration that would have had Paul Attfield grimacing as the Crows injury list is growing longer than the Queen’s shopping list.
With a two goal cushion to their name, the home side ploughed forward for a match ending third goal and two minutes after the Robins spectacular, they should have had it but O’Brien wasted a perfect opportunity which left the young forward a little red faced.
On 90 minutes a superb cross from Matt Standen was met by the head of Robins, but the effort bounced off the crossbar with most of the home support celebrating another goal.
Slough were not totally finished as Ed Smith found a way through the defence but his weak shot was saved by Norris.
With 7 minutes of injury time played, Taylor Parr attempted to get onto the score sheet but his fine lob bounced just over the bar.
The referee called time shortly afterwards which brought scenes of wild celebrations from the home support that continued long after the end of proceedings.
A massive three points won by the Crows at Garden Walk against a very dangerous Slough side. A superb first half defensive display that was very much backs to the walls was mirrored by an excellent team performance that would have left manager Attfield enjoying his glass of Merlot long into the night.
Royston Town: Norris, Parr, Wilson, De La Salle, Bradshaw (c), Edwards, Ingrey, Endacott (O’Brien), Fehmi, Lockett (Standen), Robins. Subs Not Used: Apostolos, Reynolds
