An inspired second half performance from visiting goalkeeper Jake Jessup ensured the Marketmen earned a replay in this keenly contested match.

The first half was a disjointed affair as injuries to 3 Royston players in the space of 10 minutes meant reorganisation was required in the home ranks. The closest either team came to a goal followed a Needham Market corner that was cleared off the line, but this apart there was little action to warm the crowd.

In direct contrast the second half immediately sprung to life, as in the first minute a needless foray away from his line, saw home keeper Joe Welch wipe out Adam Mills, for a clear penalty that was dispatched by Joseph Marsden.

From there on in it was the Jake Jessup show as he virtually single handedly kept Royston at bay. In quick succession he denied Rohdell Gordon twice and tipped a stinging Vance Bola effort onto the post. He was however beaten by a James Potton effort in the 77th minute, after he had initially saved Tyler Corlett’s header.

Royston thought they had won the tie in the 83rd minute as David Mooney headed in from close range, but celebrations were cut short, as he was adjudged to be in an offside position.

Royston continued to push for the winner, but were denied once again by Jessup, as an outstanding double save in the 87th minute from Bola and Mooney means the sides will have to do battle again on Tuesday night.

Royston (4-3-3): 1-Welch, 2-Scott-Morriss (12-Bola 38), 3-Norville-Williams, 4-Mentis (15-Gordon 31), 5- Corlett, 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Castiglione, 8-Thomas (17-Corcoran 28), 9-Murray, 10-Potton, 11-Mooney

Unused: 14-Crowther, 16-Dawson

MOM: Dan Brathwaite