Earley Gunners slumped to defeat against Shottesbrooke in the Berks & Bucks Cup.
Gunners made the worst possible start when Shottesbrooke broke down their left wing and sent a cross into the box which was deflected into their attackers path who scored from close range.
Gunners then dominated the majority of the first half and created numerous openings.
Leigh Holdway had plenty of space down the right wing and most of our attacking opportunities seem to come from this area.
The Shottesbrooke keeper made a couple of fine saves to keep Gunners at bay. Danny Deeks was particularly unlucky when he hit a right foot volley which the keeper tipped over the bar. Gunners also had a couple of chances cleared off the line. The half time score was 1-0 to the opposition.
In the second half Gunners scored twice both of which were close range headers by Iain Peer to give the team the lead to put Gunners in the driving seat at 2-1.
Gunners were also unlucky when the ball was cleared off the line again when it appeared to be over.
For the next few minutes it looked as if Gunners were going to put the game beyond doubt. However Shottesbrook started to get back into the game and they equalised when Gunners failed to clear a ball into the box and they scored at the far post.
Gunners had a nervous moment when Phil Byrne appeared to use his arm to knock the ball off the line but the referee waved play on. With five minutes to go, Shottesbrooke took the lead when they crossed the ball into the box and the attacking player scored from the near post.
Gunners tried to get the equaliser but failed to create a decent chance as the time ran out. The final score was a poor 3-2 defeat when Gunners really failed to get a grip of the game in the second half after they had put themselves into a winning position.
"Man of the Match" was Leigh Holdway for a good game in right midfield.
Match Facts:
MOM : L Holdway
Goals : I Peer (2)
Team
