Henley YMCA vs Earley Gunners 0 - 1

Match Report

Earley Gunners managed a narrow win over Henley YMCA to put them back onto the top of the table with Warwick Arms competing in the Jack Taylor Cup Final.

The first half was competitive as expected with several lunging tackles being made. Gunners had slightly the better of the play but Henley came closer to opening the scoring when they hit the post in the first half.

However Gunners did manage to open the scoring when a the ball fell to Dave Owen inside the box from a corner he blasted the ball home from close range.

The half time score was 1 - 0 to Gunners.

In the second Henley had an immediate opportunity to score when they broke on their left and shot across the face of the goal. The rest of the second half showed both teams playing the long ball but it was Gunners who had the clearer of the chances.

Kevin Rapley broke clear on one occasion and collided with the incoming keeper leaving Ian Thornhill a free shot at goal which was cleared short of the line. Kevin Rapley then had an even better chance to score when he missed an open goal by shooting wide of the post.

Gunners did not seem to be able to convert their opportunities which resulted in a tense finish which put the defence under pressure.

However Gunners managed to hold out for a 1 - 0 win which means a valuable three points. Centre-back Paul "Jaap Stam" Marten was Gunners man of the Match.

Match Facts

MOM : P Marten

Goal : D Owen (1)

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Earley Gunners vs Woodley Roofing 3 - 0

Match Report

Earley Gunners maintained the pressure at the top of the table with a 3 - 0 win over Woodley Roofing.

Gunners started the game brightly and scored two early goals. The first came from Jon Weller who scored when he headed the ball in at the far post and the second came from Peter Ali who raced onto a through ball and prodded the ball home past the keeper with a deft touch. Both of these goals were their first goals for the season.

Gunners then took their foot of the pedal and allowed Woodley more time to play. This led to the rest of the first half being fairly even.

In the second half Woodley started the stronger and forced a series of corners to put Gunners under pressure. Woodley hit the bar and Julian Willis was also required to make a fine save to stop the opposition from scoring.

Then with about 25 minutes to go, Gunners began to dominate possession and cruised the rest of the game. After a number of chances Gunners finally killed the game off when Dave Owen scored his 27th goal of the season (to make him top joint scorer with Kevin Rapley) with a fierce volleyed shot from outside the box. There was further good news when Ian Thornhill made a return appearance as sub since recovering from injury.

The only other item of note during the game was when Nick Burrows was involved in a couple of altercations with the opposition.

There were a few comedy moments including Sean Kearns great goal kick in the second half. Peter Ali's left footed shot from kick off and Dave's multiple efforts (as usual) and finally Frasers McNaughtons inspired appearance towards the end of the game.

A good performance means that Gunners took all three points and maintain the pressure at the top of the table.

Match Facts

Goals : J Weller (1), D Owen (1), Pe Ali (1)

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Earley Gunners vs Cavendish 2 - 1

Match Report

Earley Gunners managed a narrow win over an improving Cavendish Rovers side.
The first half was quite tight with neither team creating too many scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough for Gunners came when Peter Ali was fouled in the box and Dave Owen converted the penalty.

However Cavendish immediately struck back when they equalised about 30 seconds after kick off. A long ball was played forward and there was a breakdown in communication between Julian and Sean which resulted in Sean heading the ball over the keeper for an own goal.

Kevin Rapley then gave Gunners the lead to make the score 2-1 at half time.

In the second half Cavendish had much the better of the game and put Gunners under pressure for long periods.

Peter Ali had a good opportunity to seal the game but he scuffed the shot wide from close range.
However, a resolute Gunners defence managed to hold out to earn the team a narrow win.

Match Facts

Goals : K Rapley (1), D Owen (1)

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