With big FA VASE fixtures looming both teams significantly rotated their squads for this fixture.

Kings featured no less than NINE changes in the starting line-up from their home victory over Risborough less than a month ago, with the hosts making similar wholesale changes. However, it was testimony to the depth of both clubs' squads that the tie produced a high quality encounter with some conspicuous individual performances as both teams went all out for victory.

Right from the start the game was very much a thrust and parry affair with both teams looking dangerous on the counter.

The speedy Appiah was a regular threat down the left for the hosts, but George Hughes and Kieran Patterson were both making similar inroads down the flanks for Kings. In fact, the pair combined skilfully to create the first opportunity with Hughes firing just over.

That close call was quickly followed with Patterson’s neat through ball to Edu, but again the shot was high. Edu was again to the fore when his blocked shot was deflected wide.

The resultant Kings' corner, however, was confidently cleared and found Appiah in space.

The winger’s brilliant first time pass found Rock who rounded Kings’ custodian Kacper Kurylowicz to tap home for the opener.

Kings continued to stretch the home defence in response but Risboro’ were resilient in holding their advantage until the break.

Kings were quick out of the blocks in the second period and were rewarded almost immediately when young Sam Matthews, who was impressive throughout, latched onto B.J’s blocked effort to force the ball home.

The equaliser heralded a high tempo period of cut and thrust football as both teams went close on several occasions but neither could force the vital breakthrough.

Kurylowicz excelled in keeping out the hosts with a brilliant one handed save from Rock and counterpart Bridle-Card somehow clawed away Lowe’s swirling cross that looked destined for the top corner.

The pace remained relentless as the teams strived for a winner but just as the lottery of a penalty shoot-out looked inevitable, the tie was decided in dramatic fashion in the 93rd minute.

There seemed to be no obvious danger when Josh Williams received the ball on the edge of the box but his wickedly dipping drive had the precise trajectory to beat Kurylowicz’s outstretched hand and break Kings’ hearts.

With the resultant restart the last kick of the match it was a cruel way to exit the competition but Manager Steve Heath will take much satisfaction from the performance of many of his peripheral players who, to a man, acquitted themselves extremely well.