Royston Town were edged out 3–2 by Stourbridge in a hard-fought contest between two sides battling at the wrong end of the table.
The Crows made the perfect start inside six minutes when Joe Iaciofano finished from close range after Thomas Avgoustidis crossed from the right. Royston looked threatening early on and went close to extending their lead when Luke Warner-Eley’s long throw was met by Adam Murray, but Price gathered at his far post.
Stourbridge gradually grew into the game, flashing a ball across the Royston box on 22 minutes, though Dom Lewis was unable to connect. After an early substitution, the visitors began to take control, testing Louis Chadwick through Jai Verma before finally drawing level on the stroke of half-time. Substitute Aaron Bishop reacted quickest to finish from close range after a driven cross from Verma.
The Glassboys started the second half brighter and took the lead on 49 minutes, Bishop grabbing his second after a disputed free-kick was whipped into the box. Royston responded positively and were rewarded on 59 minutes when Kian Harness headed home from another Avgoustidis delivery following good advantage played by the referee.
Stourbridge struck the decisive blow on 68 minutes as Dom Lewis squeezed a low corner in at the near post. Royston pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t find an equaliser, as Stourbridge held firm to claim a crucial three points in the relegation battle.
Entertainment: 4/5
Star Man: Jai Verma
