COLM McAdden turned in a superb performance in goal for Basingstoke Town, as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at sixth placed Royston.

Town manager Terry Brown made two changes to the side which won at home to Farnborough on Easter Monday, with Tim Wohlfiel and Michael Atkinson returning to the starting XI in place of Jordan Goater and Charlie Kennedy.

The home side started the better with both Joe Hawkins and Scott Thomas going close, before Sam Smart’s 30-yard shot went into the arms of Royston goalie Josh Tibbetts.

After 23 minutes, McAdden produced the first of a number of excellent stops, as he pushed a free-kick from Scott Bridges around the post and out for a corner.

On the half hour mark, McAdden was called into action again to make another good save.

This time from a low shot from Josh Castiglione, after a lovely lay back from sub Ike Nzuruba.

Soon after, Nzuruba had a shot tipped wide as well.

Just three minutes into the second half, the home side scored what turned out to be the winner.

A Royston corner saw Bridges’ header only cleared as far as Adam Murray, who fired home.

Just after the hour mark, Basingstoke had a couple of chances, but Smart and Atkinson both saw their efforts go wide.

The home side nearly doubled their advantage right at the end, but Nzuruba was denied by McAdden.

There was also more injury woe for Town, as Atkinson limped off to be replaced by Goater.

Basingstoke are next in action on Thursday night, with the long trip to St Ives and then on Saturday, they are at home to Dunstable.