Earley Gunners lost momentum at the top of the table when they were held at home to Arborfield Res. Gunners started poorly and it was the visitors who took the lead when Gunners failed to react to a ball in the box at the near post from a corner and the ball was knocked home from close range.
Gunners were stung into action and started to play some good short passing football through the midfield. Gunners dominated the rest of the half and were rewarded when Matt Walkers shot was intercepted by Paul Ali who steered the ball home from close range and then Gunners deservedly took the lead when Bill Maslin flicked on a ball from Nick Burrows and then ran around the defender who stumbled and scored to give the team a 2-1 lead.
Dave Owen also came very close when his shot whistled past the near post. Gunners held a deserved 2-1 lead at half time. However, in the second half Gunners found it more difficult to play and their passing became very sloppy. Arborfield hit back in the second half and equalised when the opposing forward ran through onto a long ball and scored from inside the penalty box to make the score 2-2.
Gunners had a few half chances, although Dave was close on another occasion but Arborfield finished the stronger of the teams and Gunners were required to defend three late corners to hold onto the draw. The final score was an even 2-2 and was a very disappointing result for Gunners who may have lost ground to Woodley Roofing. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Nick Burrows.
Match Facts
MOM : N Burrows
Goals : Pa Ali (1), B Maslin (1)
Team
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