A depleted Royston Town side were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Witham Town, 2-1.

The Crows played with a makeshift defence with Jack Bradshaw starting on the right, Chris Watters at left-back and George Powell partnering midfielder Spyros Mentis at centre-half.

The visitors took the lead 18 minutes into the match when Scott Bridges’ misplaced pass saw Witham get forward, and when in behind the Town defence the ball was squared for Lewis Godbold who fired low past Dominic Russo.

Royston were pushed back, and Russo was forced into making a fine save to keep his side within a goal.

The goalkeeper was again forced into action not long after the break, before Royston, already with a number of injuries in their ranks, lost Ryan Ingrey on the hour mark.

He was replaced by Lewis Endacott, himself returning from injury.

Witham doubled their lead with just over 15 minutes to go when Daniel Emmanuel got the better of Endacott and crossed for Ellis Brown to score.

The hosts were then awarded a soft penalty after Reece Dobson had been fouled in the box, but Kaan Fehmi hit the woodwork.

Dobson then scored a late consolation, but Town were unable to peg Witham back.

Town: Russo, Bradshaw, Powell, Mentis, Watters (Lockett), Scott Bridges, Stuart Bridges, Hart, Fehmi, Ingrey (Endacott), Dobson. Subs: Wharton, Kilgallon, Meredith.