Earley Gunners overcame Purple Turtle in this fixture. The pitch was reasonably playable although it was a little sodden in places which accounted for the occasional slip (no not Nick this time) Gunners had plenty of chances to score in the first half but only managed one goal through Bill Maslin after Paul Clark flicked on a long ball from the defence and Bill ran through to score from close range.
This left the half time score at 1 - 0 to Gunners. Purple Turtle created very few chances in the first half and the 1 - 0 lead was reasonably comfortable although the lack of games and training over the past few weeks was clearly evident at times with Gunners being guilty as a team of not being able to put their foot on the ball and some possession was wasted. In the second half, Gunners were playing up the slope but managed to add to their lead through Bill Maslin again.
Then came a crucial moment in the game when Purple Turtle made a good attack down the left hand side and squared the ball into the box but Paul Clark made a great tackle in the penalty box to prevent the shot. Leon also worked very hard defensively in the second half.
Bill completed his hat-trick when he again outpaced the Purple Turtle defence. Matt Rees then went off with a slight injury and Neil Rumbold came on to good effect and was soon in on the action with a strong shoulder charge to an opponent as he was bearing down on goal, unfortunately a foul was given against him.
Purple Turtle managed a goal when a corner was flicked onto the near post and the ball was knocked in from close range virtually (but not quite) out of the keepers hands. However Gunners made things safe with two goals in the last two minutes.
Neil set up Bills fourth goal and he then got on the score sheet himself when he charged down the opposing keeper, and then scored with an overhead flick from an acute angle. It was a much improved good second half performance and Gunners scored the goals they deserved. Bill Maslin was Gunners "Man of the Match" for his four goal display.
Match Facts
MOM : B Maslin
Goals : B Maslin (4), N Rumbold (1)
Team
Pictures
