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)
Team
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