Alvechurch suffered a heavy opening day defeat, as they conceded three set-plays to a Royston side who deserved the three points.
In Darren Byfield's first competitive game as manager, Church struggled to create a real chance and were un-done by Royston's smart set-plays.
It was Alvechurch who had the first chance of the game with Ryan Nesbitt doing well to create space, but his saw his shot easily saved by Royston keeper Joe Welch. This summed up the chances Alvechurch would create throughout the day; half-chances at best.
Brandon Adams then fired over the crossbar before the game became a midfield battle, with Alvechurch unable to play their usual way to the pressing of the Royston team.
With half-an-hour gone the home side took the lead. Matthew Bateman found heaps of space in the Alvechurch box and headed back across goal for Scott Bridges to head in. Ten minutes later and it was two. Alvechurch initially dealt with the Royston corner, but Joseph Newman picked up the loose ball and his cross found Adams to head in.
Church responded with Kevin Monterio having a weak header saved and Taylor Morrison firing over the bar from distance. The second-half followed the trend of the first; with it mostly being a midfield battle before Royston created a few chances going into the last twenty minutes.
Adam Murray fired wide off goal and headed over, before Church keeper Niall Clayton made a stunning save to tip Daniel Green's long-range effort over the crossbar. In stoppage time however, Church came un-done by a corner for the third time with Bateman heading in to seal a deserved victory for Royston.
A frustrating day at the office for Byfield and his side and they will know that they will need to improve when they host Barwell on Tuesday night.