Earley Gunners beat Fourth Shift Res to earn a place in the semi-finals of the Eddie Titchener Cup.Gunners made the brighter of the start in the first few minutes and had a couple of chances to take the lead most notably through Paul Ali before Kevin Rapley scored the first.
Fourth Shift then had the better of possession and had a couple of chances to score and Gunners were only saved through the efforts of keeper Julian Willis. Fourth Shift Res scored through a dubious looking penalty but Gunners took the lead again through Dave Owen after he finished of a move involving several players.
Fourth Shift then levelled the score again when they played a ball over their left which was struck home sweetly from inside the box.
The half time score was 2-2. The second half saw a number of changes with Nick Burrows and Nick Robey introduced into midfield. Unfortunately the football played was no better than in the first half and Gunners continued to struggle.
Gunners managed to take the lead when Dave Owen fired home a penalty after Ian Thornhill was brought down in the box unfortunately Ian could no longer continue the match. Gunners then held on until the last ten minutes when Kevin Rapley who fired home neatly from close range to give Gunners some breathing space.
But the game was not over and Fourth Shift managed a late goal when the opposing forward was not closed down at the edge of the box and his shot hit the post and this made the score 4-3.
Match Facts
Goals : K Rapley (2), D Owen (2)
Team
Pictures 
