By Paul Judd

GOAL TIME: Royston’s Matthew Bateman celebrates after scoring and, right, Rushden’s Alex Collard heads in the equaliser
PICTURE: Mike Capps

THE clash between fourth - placed Rushden and thirdplaced Royston ended in a fair draw.
An early corner fell invitingly for full-back Sam Brown to strike an effort from close range, but it flew over the crossbar. Nathan Hicks then had a shot blocked away and winger Sam Johnson tamely shot into the side-netting.
Striker Matt Bateman had an effort easily held after a swift interchange, and Scott Bridges fired over from 30 ya...