Tuesday night saw Royston share the spoils with an in-form Kettering side who went into the game on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run.

And the Crows’ defence will be particularly pleased with their efforts in nullifying Poppies striker Dubi Ogbonna, who had crashed in back-to-back hat-tricks against Marlow and Aylesbury in the previous two games.

From kick-off Kettering surged forward and Louis Hamilton, appearing in an onside position, raced through to score. The assistant flagged for an offside, clearly on Ogbonna, who was inactive. However the ‘goal’ was ruled out.

Royston’s first real threat came on seven minutes, as Fehmi wasted a great chance as he blasted the ball wide from a good position.

Royston’s had the ball in the net as Mitchell Bryant converted Carl Edwards’ cross. A late assistant’s flag ruled the goal out in what must have been a marginal decision.

There was a controversial incident before the end of the first half. Kettering’s Henry Eze clearly played the ball back towards keeper Denham Hinds. Bryant intercepted, but was stopped in his tracks by the referee’s whistle after the assistant flagged for an offside.

The second period saw Kettering push forward, searching for the opener, but the hosts were dangerous on the counter-attack.

Craig Hammond, Adie Cambridge and Antonio Murray were introduced from the substitutes’ bench for Royston, but in the end the sides earned a share of the spoils.