The Royals made a rather sluggish start and went behind after 15 minutes. Their defense allowed the Ongar player far too much room and he took full advantage by beating keeper Nick with a low shot into the far corner, giving him no chance. On the half hour The Royals went further behind in a controversial manner. Lee won the ball cleanly, but the referee amazingly pointed to the spot. The resulting penalty was dispatched giving keeper Nick no chance. Going two behind seemed to be the jolt that some of the Red Star players needed and the tempo of the sides performance increased, and they reduced the deficit after 40 minutes. The Ongar players seemed to think that the referee had blown for a free kick, but he hadn't. James Jones showed good awareness and and his shot went over the keeper and into the net. The Royals started the second half in a positive manner against high flying Ongar who are on the verge of winning the league. However the home side were reduced to ten men when goalscorer James Jones was sent off for striking the Ongar number six. Although punching an opposing player is not to be recommended it was to some extent understandable as the Ongar player had been fouling Red Star players on a regular basis from the first whistle. The sending off seemed to inspire the Royal's players and they played the remainder of the match with great commitment. Ongar struck the wood work 5 or 6 times during the match but Red Star defended magnificently and rode their luck. With a few minutes left the Royals leveled the score when Josh put James Aishford through and he scored with a well struck shot from outside the box. If the second half performance can be produced for the whole match in the final then there is every chance of victory. PS I'm sure we all wish James Jones the best of luck for his operation on Thursday. Result Red Star Royals v Ongar 2 2
