A Daventry victory was never in doubt, Town could also afford to miss two penalties during the second half, a late consolation goal from Matt Standen, in the ninety first minute made the score look far more respectable for Royston.
This was Royston’s heaviest defeat of the season; only their fifth in twenty four matches, Daventry deserved this victory and can use this excellent win over one of their closest rivals, as a springboard to put together a winning run, which could yet see them earn a play – off place.
Daventry were quick to impress, Captain Guy Sanders returning from injury, hit a shot straight in to keeper Luke Howards hands, after receiving a back pass from Ashley Robinson, in the first minute. Robinson was involved in the next move too, crossing the ball for Scott Cross to head back across goal into the penalty area, when he should have tested the keeper himself!
A cross from Ross Oulton into the path of Scott Cross saw the former Northampton Town player hit his shot against the side frame of the goal, convincing many supporters that the ball had actually gone in. Sanders then hit a free kick straight at keeper Luke Howard, a warning of things to come!
Royston went ahead against the run of play; a cross from Kaan Fehmi, resulted in a goalmouth scramble during, which Ryan Ingrey managed to force the ball over the line, despite the frantic efforts of several Daventry defenders.
Their lead was short lived though; a free kick about thirty yards out was taken by Captain Guy Sanders, who hit the ball perfectly, hard and straight as an arrow, giving Howard no chance to save it.
Daventry took the lead soon after, Ashley Robinson worked hard to win a free kick over by the corner flag, the resulting kick was headed back towards goal by Liam Dolman and Robinson hit a partial overhead kick high into the net, past a frantic Luke Howard. Daventry players celebrated with Robinson, recognising the reward for the improvements Ashley has shown in recent games.
Royston tried hard to cut the Daventry lead, Ross Collins hit the post with a speculative effort and Kaan Fehmi hit a free kick at the Daventry wall, before the referee blew for half time.
In the second half, Ashley Robinson created another chance for himself, but his attempted chip over the keeper was too light and keeper Howard collected the effort easily.
In the fifty ninth minute, Daventry were awarded a penalty but Robbie Brown hit the ball wide of the keeper’s right hand post, much to the frustration of the Purple Army.
Royston substitute Matt Standen had a shot/cross finely tipped over the cross bar by Daventry keeper Richard Morris, before Daventry increased their lead, a good run and shot from Robbie Brown, making amends for his penalty miss, was brilliantly saved one handed by Howard, but the ball was pushed out to Nat Liburd, who drilled the ball into the back of the net, to give Daventry a deserved two goal cushion.
Daventry were on top, now dominating the game, shots from Adam Confue, Ryan Howell and Josh Blake all testing the Royston keeper, then from a Neil King corner, Liam Dolman rose unchallenged to head Daventry’s fourth goal of the game to ensure an emphatic victory, and a roar from the Purple Army of appreciation.
Robbie Brown had another chance to make amends for his first penalty miss, but it was not to be his day from the spot, this time keeper Luke Howard saved his weak kick at goal, before Royston scored their consolation goal in added on time to make the score respectable for them, but in truth, Daventry never looked like losing this game.
On Tuesday, Daventry Town need to take this form into the home game with Aylesbury, who won at home to Northwood by three goals to nil on Saturday, the Town then take on Northwood themselves, away from home in Middlesex, next Saturday.
Daventry Town will then take on Leighton Town at home on Tuesday 15th January, then meet strugglers North Greenford United at Communications Park on Saturday 19th January, before what promises to be an epic encounter with favourites Slough Town at the Park on Tuesday 22nd January.
Daventry Town now have a great chance to push on with their quest for promotion this season, by the end of January we should see Daventry Town comfortably placed in the top six if results go as planned, where they will be come the end of April is the most important question?

Well done the Town, a great result.

Who said we were struggling to score goals?

Jim Davis
Daventry Town