Two saves in a penalty shoot-out from Amy Martin helped Royston Town book their place in the Herts Women's Challenge Cup final.

Both the Crows and Watford Res had scored their opening two penalties at Bovingdon but while the away side would also score their next two, Martin stood firm to push Watford's attempts away and send them to a 4-2 success.

The match had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, an own-goal after a Poppy Smith shot had put Royston in front at half-time but Watford levelled through Lily Hall in the second period.

Becky Charter, Natalie Richardson, Gemma Croucher and Amy Houghton were successful from 12 yards for the Crows who now play holders Stevenage in the final.

Royston Crow: Steve Castle, manager of Royston Town. Picture: KARYN HADDONSteve Castle, manager of Royston Town. Picture: KARYN HADDON (Image: Archant)

Royston's men were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Redditch United in Southern League Premier Division Central.

This ended a run of four straight victories at Garden Walk but continued their fabulous home record that has seen just two league defeats from 16 games at HQ.

And that record is the reason for the disappointment according to manager Steve Castle.

Speaking to the club's social media channels, he said: "To a degree, we’ve been spoilt by home victories but this was a resolute Redditch team and the draw was a fair result. 

"We certainly didn’t do enough to win the game.

"The thing we’re disappointed with is we dealt with a stiff breeze and the slope in the first half and we probably expected to take the game to Redditch in the second half. 

"But we didn’t. There were very few chances and attempts at goal."

However, Castle was determined to focus on the positives about another point that has Royston eighth in the table and still in with a faint hope of reaching the play-offs.

He said: "We just didn’t reach the heights that we have previously but we’ve had a lot of wins at home and it is another clean sheet. 

"We’ve spoilt ourselves and the crowd by getting the better of teams higher in the league and the fact that we’re disappointed with a point is testament to how far we’ve come."

Next up is a trip to Hertfordshire rivals Kings Langley on Saturday.

"I was impressed with them when they came here," said the Royston boss. "We managed to get a 1-0 win then but this won’t be easy. 

"Not getting the full points against Redditch does probably mean we need maximum points from the next game."