Babbage the hero for Town

Amersham Town 1 Royston Town 1 A LAST minute equaliser from central defender Jamie Babbage earned Royston a point in a game that they had collectively struggled in for the most part. Amersham have been a fast improving side over the season and home wins a

Amersham Town 1 Royston Town 1

A LAST minute equaliser from central defender Jamie Babbage earned Royston a point in a game that they had collectively struggled in for the most part.

Amersham have been a fast improving side over the season and home wins against promotion contenders Hatfield, Kings Langley and New Bradwell and had to be respected but the Crows started slow allowing their hosts to take the first half initiative.

With Royston struggling to put the moves together on a hard but flat pitch they had to defend vigorously as the home side's momentum saw them gain a number of corners which were all effectively dealt with.

In open play they had a few near misses and Jorden Gibson had to make a couple of good blocks in the Royston goal.

Royston only had a half volley strike from Craig Hammond that went just wide to show for their efforts in their first half and whatever problems manager Paul Attfield had at half time grew even further in the early stages of the second half as the momentum continued in Amersham's favour.

After more pressure the home side deservedly took the lead eight minutes in when Francis drilled home a lose ball from 16 yards following a half cleared free kick.

Attfield changed his system and personnel bringing on Arron Welch and Ricky Young for Ryan Lockett and Conor De Lacy and very slowly Royston began making inroads into a more nervous looking home side.

The damaging runs of Luke Robins down the left became more of an influence and a 25 yard effort from the tricky winger flew inches over midway through the half.

Tom Malins and Craig Hammond had presentable chances from close range as the half wore on but neither player could connect well enough with the ball and the danger was averted.

As the clocked ticked down Amersham defended in numbers, protecting their slim advantage as Royston put persistent pressure on them.

Another last minute run from Robins saw him hauled down just outside the box and when Craig Hammond's drilled strike was parried by the keeper Babbage smashed the ball home from close range to earn his side a share of the spoils

Attfield said: "I have to be happy with a point as for the most part we were outfought.

"This has not happened many times this season but we looked edgy and were technically very poor on the ball for long periods which put us under unnecessary pressure.

"Maybe at the end of the season we might look back and see this point was an important one gained but for now we have to make sure we show a better fighting spirit in our next game."

Royston: Gibson, Endacott, Stephens (Pring), Babbage, Cain, De Lacy (Welch), Edwards, Malins, Hammond, Lockett (Young), Robins. Sub: Apostolos.