Royston started the New Year with victory over Hitchin Town, as an 87^th minute header from Spyros Mentis was the difference between the two sides.

As was to be expected, the game was a competitive affair, played out in front of a healthy crowd of 423, with a large number of away supporters having made the short trip along the A505.

It was Hitchin who fashioned the first opportunity, as Isaac Galliford fired just over the Crows bar within the first couple of minutes. The home team then began to exert themselves on the game, as Vance Bola saw a shot comfortably saved, before a fierce drive from Tom Newman was beaten away by Michael Johnson in the Canaries goal, with Josh Castiglione just unable to conjure anything from the loose ball.

Royston continued to push the Canaries back, with Castiglione sending a half valley just wide of the target, but gradually Hitchin worked their way into the game. Good work from away winger Alfie Cue ended with a shot that was dragged wide, but on the whole the Royston defence dealt fairly comfortably with any threat posed by the Hitchin forwards.

Royston also became less of an attacking force, as they struggled to maintain the fast tempo of the first 20 minutes and for the rest of the half never really tested Johnson, as he was able to easily collect a Rohdell Gorden shot to ensure the teams went in level at half time.

Hitchin again had first sight of goal in the second half, as Joe Welch had to get down well to save from Cue, in response Gordon saw his free kick from a dangerous position clear the crossbar. Chances were in short supply though, as defences remained on top, although Hitchin could claim to have the greater amount of pressure. The pressure nearly told as Cue found himself through on goal, but the ever dependable Welch, raced off his line to close down the forward and execute a fine save.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Royston won a free kick on the left flank, Castiglione floated in a fine cross that was met with an unstoppable header from an unchallenged Mentis to the delight of the home contingent.

With little time left on the clock, Hitchin went in search of an equaliser, which they nearly found, as skipper Dan Webb flashed a ball across the goal that no-one could convert. This was as close as they came though, as Royston held on to claim the three points.

Royston: 1-Welch, 2-Joseph, 3-Newton, 4-Thomas, 5-Murray, 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Castiglione, 8-Mentis, 9-Bola (15-Gallin 77), 10-Newman (16-Scott-Morriss 64), 11-Gordon (14-Green 88)

Unused: 12-Corcoran, 17-Crowther

MOM: Joe Newton