Royston Town 2 (Locke 51', Beckett 60' Rookard Red Card 90+4')
Bromsgrove Sporting 1 (Newall 39')

Despite taking the lead, a disappointing second half display saw Royston Town edge out Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday afternoon.

Burton Albion-loanee Jack Newall gave the Rouslers a 39th minute lead but goals from Archie Locke and Harvey Bennett ensured the home side would claim all three points.

The game was very low on chances prior to the opener; the Crows' Kian Harness had a 13th minute strike blocked by Aksum White before Newall fired wide for Sporting 10 minutes later.

The Bromsgrove goal came after Scott Adey-Linforth's men sparked up a sharp move - this resulted in Newall having an initial shot saved before he was on hand to put the rebound into the net.

Sporting almost had a second four minutes later, but goalkeeper Tommy Dixon-Hodge tipped a Theo Robinson effort onto the crossbar in fine style.

The hard work that Sporting had put in to take the lead was undone inside the first 15 minutes of the second half - firstly, Locke slotted home from inside the area in the 51st minute before Bennett knocked the ball home on the hour mark after Sporting stopper Charlie Price had kept out an initial effort.

Similar to most of the first half, the remainder of the second was largely bereft of any clear cut opportunities for either side. Robinson was in on goal and moved past the keeper in the second minute of additional time, but the ball eventually just ran beyond him.

Royston substitute Harrison Rookard only spent seven minutes on the pitch after being sent off for an elbowing offence on Carter Lycett in the fourth minute of added time and the late drama wasn't over there, as Sporting had two penalty appeals turned down.

The first was for a handball, which was quickly followed by Jack Newell falling to the ground after a coming together with Dixon-Hodge. Not only did the referee ignore both claims, but Newell was also booked for simulation in the process.

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Entertainment Rating: 3/5
Reporter's Player of the Match: Archie Locke (Royston Town)

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Attendance: 394
Sporting Man of the Match, as chosen by club volunteer, Andrew Stephens, and groundstaff member, Steve Smith: Reece King

Report: Max Banner