West End were unfortunate to start with 9 men due to a few late arrivals and Gunners took advantage with Neil Rumbold scoring with a low driven shot which was well struck after a through ball from Bill Maslin. Gunners then added a second after Matt Rees was fouled, Dave Owen stepped up and scored direct from the free kick. Gunners also had a couple of efforts to increase the lead but failed to take these chances.
However, West End made more of a game of it when they were back up to a full complement and scored a goal from a well taken corner which was whipped in on the left hand side to make it 2-1 to Gunners at half time. Gunners overall display in the first half was pretty poor and the team did not get any sort of passing game together and failed to win much second ball. In the second half Gunners should have lifted themselves but only Nick Burrows seemed to respond with some tigerish defending, Gunners looked very lethargic in midfield and this allowed West End to gain the upper hand.
Gunners seemed to have made the game safe when Bill Maslin made it 1-3 after being put through by Dave Owen but West End fought back and had a penalty awarded to them after an alleged push by Nick Burrows. However, the opponent shot straight at the keeper Julian who made the save and then Paul Marten and Neil Rumbold managed to hook the ball away from the rebound. West End were still the dominant side and Matt Rees made some great tackles in midfield to keep them at bay.
Peter Ali also made his first appearance of the season after Neil nearly passed out. Unfortunately West End managed to add a second to give Gunners a nervous finish. West End forced a few late corners but Gunners held on to steal the three points after one of the worst displays this season by the team.
Match Facts
Goals : N Rumbold (1), D Owen (1), B Maslin (1)
Team
Pictures 
