Town made the perfect start to the new season as they battled to a hard fought success against newly promoted Royston at Garden Walk.

Ben Stephens headed Carl Adams’ side into a fifth minute lead but Royston recovered from that early setback to equalise on 21 minutes before Lee Thomas blasted in what proved to be the decider six minutes later.

In an increasingly feisty second half both number 5’s  –  Royston’s Adam Murray and Loyiso Recci for Town  –  were sent off but Town survived frantic late Royston pressure to come away with all three points.

A full report is now available under the first Team Match Reports Section.