There was nothing but positives for Royston Town manager Steve Castle in the win over Hednesford Town - even if it highlighted the Crows inconsistency at times.

The 2-0 success at Garden Walk moved them to eighth in the Southern League Premier Division Central table, albeit still 15 points adrift of Nuneaton Borough in the final qualifying position having played a game more.

It was also the 10th win at home and in complete contrast to the 1-0 loss away to Kings Langley last time out.

Speaking on the club's social media channels, Castle said: "I don’t want to bring the mood down but to be truthful, and I said this in the changing room, the performance was like chalk and cheese compared to last week. 

"We didn’t perform then but here we did, to a player, they really went about the game in the right manner. 

"They played through the thirds and there was quality in abundance in every single position. 

"It was so pleasing. 

"It is very awkward at this stage of the season. There is nothing mathematically saying we can’t get to the play-offs but it is going to be a really tough ask."

Royston Crow: Matt Bateman got both of the Royston Town goals against Hednesford. Picture: NEIL METCALFEMatt Bateman got both of the Royston Town goals against Hednesford. Picture: NEIL METCALFE (Image: Neil Metcalfe)

Matt Bateman got both goals on his return to the starting line-up while another back in the squad, goalkeeper Dimi Kyriatzis, kept a clean sheet.

However, the biggest positives on the individual front for Castle came from four of his other charges.

The boss said: "There does need to be a special mention for James Brighton. He got injured in the second game of the season at Nuneaton and he’s worked his socks off to get back in. 

"I’m really pleased for him but we had a lot of plus points. 

"I’ve known George Hoddle since he was about six or seven, he went to school with my son Charlie. 

"He came in on loan [from Cambridge United] and showed what he is all about. 

"I don’t want to leave Charlie out. His inclusion in the first time is probably a bit ahead of time but the goals he has scored in the U23s has pushed that forward. 

"He did himself no harm whatsoever. 

"And the third shout is the icing on the cake because I’ve probably been on his case a little bit. 

"But Kian Harness is loved here and when he comes on as a sub, he really does make a massive impact. 

"When he starts he probably doesn’t get the breaks but that’s for him to work out and he was excellent when he came on."

Royston are back on home turf on Saturday when they face Alvechurch.