Reported by Jools Thomas

Aylesbury FC left the field to deservedly warm applause after this battling draw against a previously unbeaten Royston Town in an entertaining game at the Affinity Investments Stadium.

Unlike recent games, FC started the more positively. As early as the 3rd minute, Danny Jones fired in a potent free kick that whistled past the post. This was followed by the opening goal courtesy of Brian Haule. His header from a Lee Grace cross looped into the net over Royston’s William Norris. The visitors showed their flair in the 13th minute, a low turn and shot from Luke Robins tested FC debutant Richard Roberts. On 33 minutes a Danny Jones corner found Brian Haule whose header went just over the bar. This was the start of an intense period of pressure from Royston as they searched for the equaliser. Two goal line clearances firstly from James Faulkner and then George Tomlin closely followed by a missed diving header from Royston’s Matthew Standen saw FC finish the half without conceding.

Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges of the 2nd half but the action was soon to hot up. Danilson Vincente had an opportunity on 68 minutes but after good work he could only muster a shot that was to be easily saved by the keeper. Five minutes later and the same man had an even better opportunity. After beating the offside trap, Danilson took the ball round the keeper. The angle was too tight however and he put the ball over the bar. FC were to rue these chances as Royston were able to grab their equaliser soon after. An infringement in the box saw the referee award a penalty with Luke Robins scoring into the bottom corner. Both sides threatened to grab a winner; Dangerman Robins attempted a cheeky curling shot and then FC’s Wayne O’Sullivan tried to dink the ball over the keeper. It was a wonderful double save from FC keeper Richard Roberts that prevented the best opportunity for either team to grab a late winner as firstly he palmed away a powerful drive before blocking a follow up shot. The chance came and went, leaving Aylesbury with a hard fought point for their efforts.

Richard Roberts, George Tomlin, Lee Grace, Ollie Lynch, Craig Faulconbridge, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Daniel Jones, Davis Haule, Brian Haule, James Faulkner, Wayne O'Sullivan Subs Danilson Vicente, Ryan Blake, Shiblu Miah, Sonny French, Alex Collard