On a bright sunny afternoon at Garden Walk, the quality of the football didn’t match the quality of the weather, but the home side were unconcerned as they emerged victorious with the 3 points.

This mid-table encounter failed to spark to life as a dour battle was settled by Brandon Adams second half strike. Adams, a half-time substitute replacing the injured Tom Newman, was on hand to finish an easy chance that fell his way, following a good cross from fellow substitute Finlay Titchmarsh.

The first half was largely forgettable, bar one chance at each end, as both sides cancelled each other out. The Crows were grateful to goalkeeper Dimi Kyriatzis whose strong left hand repelled opposition striker Daniel Sweeney’s sweetly struck shot after persistent work down the Redditch right had created the opportunity. For the home side Isaac Galliford should really have scored following a flick on by Carl Mensah from James Brighton’s long throw, but his shot crashed back off the underside of the crossbar.

Having taken the lead in the 66th minute, the home side rarely looked likely to relinquish it, as Redditch struggled to penetrate the home defence. A couple of efforts went wide of the target, and when a 91st minute header did threaten an equaliser, Kyriatzis was alert to turn it around the post and ensure the Crows claimed the 3 points.

Royston: 1-Kyriatzis, 6-Henry (6-Titchmarsh 64), 5-Mensah, 3-Brathwaite ©, 14-Brighton, 19-Mentis, 8-Aransibia, 11-Galliford (16-Murray M), 12-Newman (9-Adams 46), 10-Bateman, 17-Ilunga

Unused: 13-Welch

MOM – Spyros Mentis