Earley Gunners kept up the pace at the top of the table with a 5 - 1 over Ruscombe Res. Gunners started the better of the teams and took the lead through top scorer Bill Maslin after he latched onto a through ball from Paul Marten.
Ruscome were then reduced to 10 men after an opposing player made a two footed lunge on Leon and was yellow carded for the tackle, he swore at the referee who promptly sent him off to hand the edge to Gunners. Gunners were lucky not to concede a goal when Ruscombe attacked down the right and played the ball invitingly across for a simple 3 yard tap in but fortunately, the opposing forward hit the ball wide and over.
Gunners took advantage and added a second after Paul Ali skipped clear down the right and crossed for Bill Maslin to head in at close range. The half time score was 2-0 to Gunners. In the second half Gunners increased the lead after Bill Maslin played Paul Ali through, he rounded the keeper and scored from close range after it took a slight deflection from an opponent.
Ruscombe were then awarded a penalty due to a mix up in defense when Gunners failed to clear the ball and were alleged to have fouled an opposing player. Ruscombe converted the penalty to make the score 3-1.
Gunners have been guilty in the past of giving away these leads but thankfully this did not occur today and Gunners finished the game off when Paul Ali scored his second of the game after being played through by Leon Spyrou. Gunners had a few more chances to score and were guilty of a few "air shots" (Maslin, Rumbold, Akers) but managed to keep pushing forward. In the final few minutes Gareth Akers added a fifth from a cross-shot after he was played through by Leon Spyrou.
Gunners "Man of the Match" was Paul Ali for an excellent game in midfield including two goals.
Match Facts:
MOM : Pa Ali (2)
Goals : Pa Ali (2), B Maslin (2), G Akers (1)
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