Welwyn Garden City's men are still searching for their first win of the East Hockey League season but they are at least off the mark with a point against Royston.

Played at their home base of Hertfordshire Sports Village, WGC drew 1-1 in Division Two South West to stay above their opponents in the league table.

Royston had the better start to the game with a high press but it was Welwyn who reached the break in front.

They had grown in confidence by the way their defence was playing and with possession gained in midfield, they began to create chances.

It was from a penalty corner that the goal came.

Bryn Evans' initial drag flick was saved but Royston struggled to clear with Welwyn looking for the rebound.

Eventually the ball popped up in the air off the prone keeper and Evans was quickest to react, smashing the ball downwards and in.

They could have made it two before the interval but they could supply the final touch to the aerial passes.

The second half was as cagey as the first with both defences not allowing many circle entries.

But a 1-0 lead is never a comfortable one and Royston were able to find an equaliser when a forward drew two Welwyn defenders and slipped the ball into space for a team-mate to send Dan Klinger the wrong way with a mis-hit shot.

WGC had a glorious chance to win it late on as a flick from Dave Allmand-Smith was blocked by the body of a Royston defender.

Evans hit it well enough but it smashed into the crossbar and out.