Royston Town bowed out of the FA Trophy in the second round after a narrow 3-2 defeat at Brackley Town.

The Crows had reached the quarter-finals in last year’s competition and further progress this time around looked unlikely when the National League North hosts, one step higher than Southern League Royston, found themselves 2-0 up after just 17 minutes.

But Steve Castle’s men rallied and a quick response from Brandon Adams, a right-footed shot from the edge of the box, gave them something to chase going into the second period.

And they weren’t chasing for long as Spyros Mentis equalised just three minutes after half-time, pouncing on a rebound when a shot was blocked.

Unfortunately Brackley regained the lead four minutes later and despite Joe Welch keeping them in the game and Adams having a glorious chance from the penalty spot saved, they couldn’t find another goal.