In a game devoid of goalmouth action and any real show of attacking quality, a goalless draw was a fair reflection on the overall match.

Both sides showed plenty of endeavour and commitment, but the bobbly surface was not conducive to free flowing football and both sides struggled to put together any meaningful attacks that were going to test either defence. The most likely source of a goal always looked like it would come from a set piece or a home side long throw, but with Royston far superior aerially in their own box and St Ives only rarely conceding set pieces in dangerous areas, even these opportunities never conjured up any clear chances.

The first half was probably just shaded by St Ives in terms of possession and territory, but Joe Welch was only really once worked, when he fisted clear a dangerous looking cross just after the half hour mark, before comfortably collecting the subsequent cross in.

For their part, Royston’s best moment arrived in the 18^th minute, as Josh Castiglione collected Spyros Mentis’ lobbed ball forward, cut inside his full back before sending a curling effort just over the bar.

Other than a half-hearted penalty shout from St Ives, after a tackle by Adam Murray on Danny Kelly that the referee correctly waved away, there was little else to report as defences remained firmly on top.

The second half started with Royston very much on the front foot, but hampered by the difficult surface, they were unable to move the ball quickly and accurately enough to trouble the home defence. The introduction of Joe Newton early in the half maintained Royston’s impetus, as he delivered a good ball in that was well cleared, before James Potton’s through ball gave Newton a site of goal, but his shot was pulled wide.

Royston had to wait until the 85^th minute for their first effort on target, a tame header from substitute Vance Bola that was comfortably dealt with by Martin Conway in the St Ives goal.

With time ticking away, St Ives twice got in behind Royston on the right hand side, but both times good defending by the away defence ensured that the deadlock was not broken, as both sides left Westwood Road with a point.

Royston: 1-Welch, 2-Scott-Morriss, 3-Oswick, 4-Thomas, 5-Murray, 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Castiglione, 8-Corcoran (12-Newman 63), 9-Gallin (14-Newton 55), 10-Potton (15-Bola 76), 11-Mentis

Unused: 16-Gordon, 17-Crowther

MOM: Spyros Mentis