A dominant second half performance saw the Crows record a comfortable 3-0 victory against visitors Banbury.

A largely forgettable first half ended goalless, as the gusty wind made for tricky conditions that neither side could master, as no clear cut chances were created.

Kicking with the wind in the second half, Royston soon assumed control, taking the lead in the 53rd minute, as Vance Bola headed in from Eren Kinali’s acrobatic assist.

The lead was soon doubled as substitute Tom Newman scored with his first touch, heading in Joe Newton’s deep corner from close range.

With Royston defending well, Banbury were restricted to few chances, although Joe Welch in the home goal was forced into a good low save to preserve the Crows 2-0 lead.

The game clinching third goal arrived in the 82nd minute and was scored by debutant Kinali. Good work on the left flank by Bola saw his cross fall to Kinali on the edge of the box, who fired a fierce strike inside Jack Harding’s near post.

Welch was again called upon late on to tip away Steve Diggin’s header, but this was as close as the Puritans came to scoring as the home side kept their clean sheet and rounded off a successful afternoon.

Royston: 1-Welch, 2-Scott-Morriss, 3-Newton, 4-Thomas, 5-Parr, 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Kinali, 8-Knight, 9-Gallin (Bola), 10-Corcoran (Newman), 11-Gordon (Castiglione)

Unused: 16-Johnson, 17-Oswick

MOM: Eren Kinali