The Moles had enough chances especially in the first half to make more of a game of it but in the end, FC’s recent heavy schedule with four games in the last eight days really began to show.

FC’s first half performance matched their higher placed opponents punch for punch. Aston Goss was unlucky early doors after good work from Brian Haule and the industrious Gareth Price. FC’s next attack saw them open the scoring. Ken Feyi brought the ball from the by line and Price was there to sweep the ball home in style. Feyi again found space on 23 minutes and away keeper Mason Tewkesbury did well to parry the youngster’s shot.

Simon Thomas for Royston put in a half chance on 33 minutes but Danny Gordon was there to block. This however was just the prelude to Town’s equaliser. A lofted ball into the box was misjudged by the advancing James Weatherill and away centre back Ryan Frater was there to stab the ball home from close range.

Gareth Price responded with a cross shot that none of is team mates reacted to and at the other end, Thomas couldn’t take advantage of space and his shot lacked pace allowing Weatherill to gather. The final action of the half saw Gareth Price breaking free before releasing the ball to Feyi who blasted over when a little measure of calm was needed.

Royston must have been read the riot act at half time as they steamed out of the blocks in the second half. Thomas found space and hit a stinging shot that Weatherill could only palm away. Rhys Heenes found space only a minute or so later and again it took a smart Weatherill save to push the ball round the post.

On 54 minutes FC could have had a penalty but the referee showed no interest as Ben Bateman tumbled in the box. Thomas was by far the busiest player on the field by this stage and his header into the ground tested Weatherill’s reactions. Despite this it appeared only a matter of time before Town made the important breakthrough.

A combination of a wicked bounce and pinpoint accuracy allowed a 20 yard effort from Ryan Towner to deceive James Weatherill and spring into the net to give the visitors the lead. As is often the case when a team has the upper hand, the lead was increased still further. A tag team challenge of Weatherill and Danny Gordon transpired to bring down Thomas in the box with captain Scott Bridges stroking the resultant penalty home with ease.

With the result looking fairly comfortable, Royston backed off and this allowed more space for FC. It was still difficult for the Moles to break down a well drilled side that chased, harried and harassed every ball but FC did finally break down the visitor’s defence on full time when a smart through ball to Brian Haule saw the target man dance round the keeper before putting the ball into an empty net. FC were perhaps a little unfortunate not to draw level deep into injury time. With keeper James Weatherill providing support to the attack, a Jamie Rudd free kick caused Tewkesbury to save under severe pressure.

Alas it was not to be as the referee blew time on an entertaining if not frustrating performance.