Backed by a crowd of almost a thousand supporters who were ready to witness a crucial meeting of two sides separated by a single point, there was more intrigue than the final score line suggested.

After the goalless draw at Salisbury, Matthew Harris, Gethyn Hill and Nick Rhodes all returned to the starting lineup although Aneurin Livermore missed out due to suspension. With Frazer Thomas selected after his injury and illness problems, he joined Alex John and Tom Handley in midfield.

It was a cautious start for both teams with so much at stake although it was the Martyrs who eventually broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark. A lofted cross from the touch line by Matthew Harris, deep into the penalty area saw Gethyn Hill out jump his marker to perfectly place his header past Cealan Avenell in the Walton & Hersham goal.

Just before the interval Will Fuller pulled off a crucial save to maintain the Martyrs lead at half time.

Early in the second period Ricardo Rees had a snap shot blocked on the goal line as the home side started on the front foot. Despite this positive intention it was the visitors who soon seized control of the game and fashioned an equaliser on the hour when Asken Ujkaj scored from close range after defensive confusion following a corner.

After replacing Matthew Harris, two timely interventions by Josh Yorwerth saw important goal line clearances that kept the scores level.

In added time a cross from Johl Powell was volleyed by Alex Kent that hit the underside of the crossbar before being cleared.