Goals : Delaneuville (70) - Grevin (50)
Attendance : 200 - Referee : M. Papillier, assistants M. Billaux & M. Guedmi.
Bookings : Nemouthié (86) - Diane (72), Boutte (83)
RED STAR : Bousseliou, Sarhidj, Yessad, Santos, Carles, Hamane, Lakrout, Nemouthié, Doumbya, Delaneuville, Sylla (Fissirou 46). Coach: M. Ousfane.
ROYE : Maugard, Delassus, Boutte, Paternotte, Oudart, Wembakungu, Jany (Borton 46), Dambreville (Diane 46), Grevin (Peltier 55), Hernout, Zerab. Coach: Meurillon.
A HARD FOUGHT POINT
It has to be said that despite all the odds, and all the brouhahah surrounding the club, on the field
the youngsters showed that they are game for a fight in holding high-flying Roye to a draw. To be honest, at the end of the game it was probably the visitors the most relieved to hear the final whistle, as there was only one side in it for the previous half an hour.
After a totally forgettable first forty five minutes, punctuated only by the spring-loaded arm of the referees assistant, the one patrolling the touchline of the half towards which Red Star were attacking. Employing the stifling offside trap at every occasion, aided by the zealous linesman, Roye prevented Red Star from taking the lead before the break. Karim Bousseliou was called on to make the only real save of the half, however, diving full length to turn a short away for a corner.
After the pause it appeared if Roye had done the essential in opening the scoring. Julien Carles was caught out of position on the left side of defence, and Grevin rifled in a clean shot from the edge of the area (0-1).
The goal was the catalyst to start the Red Star revival. Suddenly Roye were caught on the back foot, and roared on by the Red Star faithful the men in green took the game to the visitors. Wave after wave of attacks came in, thwarted only by some inspired defending or a misdirected final ball. Lakrout and Doumbya presented problems to the tiring Roye back line, and the physical presence of substitiute Fissirou added to the threat. With around twenty minutes remaining Red Star drew level - a pinpoint pass split the Roye defence, and Yoann DELANEUVILLE showed great physical presence and determination to power past the last defender and to slip the ball under the body of Maugard (1-1). Scenes of elation on and off the field, totally deserved it has to be said.
The last twenty or so, it was one-way traffic, but Roye held on grimly to earn a daw. Magnificent effort from Red Star, a great team performance, a win would not have been undeserved, either. Can it continue ? Can the club continue ? In times of adversity, the best can sometimes come out of players.
© AllezRedStar.com 2002