Royston Town are out of the Herts Charity Cup after losing 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford in the semi-final at Garden Walk.

It was a game characterised by the number of clear-cut chances, or lack thereof, that both teams created. In the end, it took a moment of skill from Anthony Church to settle the tie with a goal two minutes after the interval.

Crows’ boss Steve Castle made a number of changes to his side with Ross Collins, Ryan Ingrey, Rob Mason and Lewis Endacott being replaces by Ryan Lockett, Sam Spencer, Rob Nightingale and Mitchell Bryant.

Both teams struggled to get to grips with a heavy pitch at Garden Walk, resulting in very few chances in the first half. Royston and Stortford also failed to find a pass in the final third to unlock the defences.

After an uneventful, goalless first half, Rob Stringer’s side produced a bit of class to score the only goal of the game. Joshua Fagbohun crossed from the right for Brian Woodall but the front man mis-kicked his attempted shot. He had the poise, however, to collect the ball and play in Church who found the net.

The second half was a much better spectacle for the fans, especially the home fans, who saw Royston play a much more expansive style of play, utilising fullbacks Ade Cambridge and Jhai Dhillon as outlet passes.

It also helped them create more chances as they surged into Stortford’s half. However, each time they found themselves in a good position they did not get the rub of the green and the visitors’ defence was able to clear.

They were unlucky not to earn another 30 minutes of extra-time, though. In the final 10 minutes, Carl Edwards and Dhillon came close but couldn’t find an equaliser as Royston exited the cup.