Earley Gunners overcame current league leaders Good Companions in a scrappy game in very wet conditions which meant the sliding tackles were coming in thick and fast during the whole 90 minutes.
A couple of absences and injuries saw a changed Gunners team take the field. Good Companions started the better of the teams and took the lead when a cross was miscued by their attacker but spun in over the keeper.
Good Companions then scored another goal when their player picked his way past a couple of defenders and scored with his shot. Gunners dug in and soon struck back when Paul Ali flicked the ball over to Kevin Rapley who shot home from just inside the box. Dave Owen then added another with a drive from outside the box which the keeper fumbled and allowed the ball to roll into the net. Dave then added a second goal with another rocket shot which cannoned in from under the cross bar. This gave Gunners a 3-2 lead at half time.
In the second half Good Companions committed more men forwards although they failed to create too many really good scoring opportunities with the Gunners defence looking a lot more organised in the second half. It is also worth mentioning that Goalkeeper Jon Allen’s handling during the game was excellent in view of the wet conditions.
Kevin Rapley added his second of the game and Gunners fourth when he turned and shot from the edge of the box to give Gunners some breathing space. Good Companions came forward looking to get back into the game but Gunners did just enough to keep them away although Jon Allen was called on to make one excellent save.
In the dying minutes Nick Burrows played a ball through the Good Companions defence and Paul Ali sprinted onto the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home to add another goal. The final score was a 5-2 win to the Gunners.
Match Facts
Goals : K Rapley (2), D Owen (2), Pa Ali (1)
Team
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