Royston were left looking for their first win of the season as Stratford came from behind to deservedly gain a share of the spoils.

The first half was a dour affair that was largely forgettable with the exception of the goal that gave Stratford the lead. Picking up the ball 30 yards from goal, Bradley Malden-Jones was able to move forward unchallenged, before curling a peach of a shot past the outstretched reach of home goalkeeper Will Appleyard.

Royston started the second half more brightly and equalised somewhat fortuitously in the 50th minute. James Potton managed to get through to the byline and saw his cutback deflected into his own goal by away skipper James Fry.

Stratford almost regained the lead immediately as Nabil Shariff saw his shot cleared off the line but it was Royston who did take the lead in the 56th minute. Rohdell Gordon slipped the ball through for Chris Assombalonga to slot past the keeper.

Stratford would not lie down though and deservedly got an equaliser when Will Grocott’s cross was headed in by Michael Taylor with 8 minutes to go.

Royston struggled to get their fluency back from the opening 25 minutes of the second half and it was Stratford who looked the more likely to snatch a winner, but ultimately both teams had to settle for a point.

1-Appleyard, 2-Ellesley (16-Scott-Morriss 46), 3-Dhillon, 4-Thomas, 5-Murray, 6-Brathwaite ©, 7-Bola (14-Castiglione 69), 8-Powell, 9 Assombalonga (12-Bell 69), 10-Potton, 11-Gordon

Unused subs – 15-Martin, GK-Smart

MOM – Rhodell Gordon

Attendance – 201