Royals unlucky as Phoenix grab late equaliser

11:03am Tuesday 25th March 2008

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Stroud League Division Five; AC Royals 2 Phoenix 2

AC ROYALS took on third placed Phoenix and were unlucky not to take all three points.

The Royals got off to a great start, forcing an early corner from which Ben Smith scored with a header. Despite a Phoenix defender's efforts to clear to ball, he only proceeded to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

The rest of the half was fairly even, as both sides played good football despite the blustery conditions.

Phoenix's keeper produced a fine fingertip save to deny The Royals extending their lead, and conversely on the stoke of half time Clive Phillips had to save well to keep The Royals ahead.

The visitors equalised ten minutes into the second half, as their forward scored with a shot from inside the area.

Phoenix had two good chances to take the lead, but they were denied by Phillips on both occasions.

At the other end the Phoenix keeper denied Smith and Roberts.

The Royals edged their noses in front with ten minutes left. Wytchard crossed to the far post where Carpenter's looping header found the top corner of the goal.

Phoenix pressed forward for the final minutes looking for the goal they needed to stay in the hunt for promotion. With a minute remaining they were awarded a dubious free kick 20 yards from goal from which Phoenix equalised.