There was national cup action at Walmer Road last Saturday afternoon with this season's first venture into the Buildbase FA Vase in a second qualifying round match against Thurlow Nunn Division One North opposition.

The Royals were without the suspended Jordan Haverson but gave a first start to Nelson Carinhas who has recently rejoined the club he played for at youth level. Also included on the bench were recently returned Kyle Baker and new signing from Gorleston Sean Perfect.

On a fine sunny afternoon the game unfortunately didn't match the weather, with a very mediocre performance from the Royals and Debenham showing much better form throughout.

In the second minute a good away attack saw the home keeper Jordan Smith save well with an outstretched foot while on 28 minutes a Debenham cross created two good chances, both beaten out by the home defence. The home team had very few chances at this stage and only applied pressure on the away goal towards the end of the half.

On the hour Haylock made a good run out of defence but was pulled back, with the resulting free-kick coming to nothing, Baker replaced Russell on 63 minutes and was soon in action, a Haylock corner being flicked on by Herbert to Baker who shot just wide. New signing Perfect replaced Carinhas with 15 minutes remaining and on 85 minutes the Royals were kept in the game with a great one on one save by Smith from Debenham centre forward James Watling.

With the match set to go into extra-time in the 90th minute Haylock was brought down in the area and the resulting penalty kick was cheekily put away by Kaiden Goldspink to give the Royals a rather undeserved 1-0 win against lower league opposition who battled well throughout.

Monday's draw gave the Royals a long away trip to play another step five team in Northampton ON Chenecks of the United Counties League Premier Division, with match to be played on Saturday, October 12.

Team: J Smith, A Meekin, G Soares, B George, J Herbert, L Flower, K Haylock, K Baldwin, K Goldspink, N Carinhas (S Perfect 75), C Russell (K Baker 63). Unused subs: H Creamer, G McGee, I Barber.

Norwich United 1 Kirkley and Pakefield 1

Kirkley & Pakefield travelled to Plantation Park on Tuesday evening to play second placed Norwich United.

The away team made three changes to Saturday's starting 11 in the FA Vase, with Harry Creamer, Jordan Haverson and Sean Perfect all starting.

The Royals had two early attempts on goal with Perfect firing just wide and a Goldspink effort being deflected out for a corner.

In the 21st minute Jackson shot wide for United and then Ben George had a good shot deflected into the home keeper. At the other end away keeper Smith saved at full stretch from Barnes.

Kyle Haylock then had a very good run down the right touchline but his centre just failed to reach Perfect in the six yard box. There was then some good football from the home team finishing in Davis shooting just wide. After a very even half the match was goalless at the break.

The start of the second half saw United going one up in the first minute when Ben Fowkes' shot was stopped by keeper Smith but Liam Jackson followed up to put the rebound in.

On 56 minutes more good work by the home team saw Fowkes shot put over the bar by Soares while good Royals' play saw George go close at the other end.

On 62 minutes Baker replaced the injured Baldwin and 10 minutes later Baker was put away by Haylock and made a brilliant run down the right before seeing his goal bound shot just tipped away by the home keeper at full stretch for a corner.

After another good team build-up from the Royals substitute Russell's pass to Haylock saw his shot on goal put in to his own goal by home defender Andy Eastaugh to bring the Royals back level at 1-1. Play continued to be end to end with both teams have equal opportunities with Smith making some fine stops and both Haverson and Soares going close for the Royals.

The final whistle saw an entertaining match finish level for a well deserved and hard fought away point for the Royals.

Team: J Smith, H Creamer, G Soares, B George, J Herbert, L Flower, K Haylock, K Baldwin (K Baker 62), K Goldspink (N Carinhas 85), J Haverson, S Perfect (C Russell 71). Subs not used: A Meekin, I Barber.