Earley Gunners drew 2 - 2 with Saints in a scrappy tie.
Gunners made their almost obligatory bad start and failed to clear some long balls in the first few minutes and were punished when they conceded an early goal after their forward pounced onto a long ball which was not cleared.
However, Gunners then settled down and managed to get back into the game when Dave Owen played the ball onto Iain Peer who turned the last defender inside out before slotting the ball home.
Saints had a good chance to score but Julian Willis made a good save and Gunners also had a few opportunities to score including a close chance from Dave Owen. The half time score was 1-1.
In the second half, Gunners went down 2-1 after Saints hit a long ball into the box which was not headed clear, Julian parried the first shot but Gunners did not clear the ball second time round.
However, Gunners did equalise when Paul Stout played Iain Peer through who scored for his second goal of the game.
Gunners had numerous chances to seize the advantage and spurned several clear opportunities including a one on one with the keeper from Matt Walker and Paul Clark who shaved the post with their shots. Richard Alderton also had a couple of good opportunities to score and Paul Ali had a close chance from a corner. Saints were limited to a few chances this half.
Gunners should have had a penalty when Dave Owen was blatantly fouled in the box but Saints also had the ball in the back of the net which was ruled out for offside.
The final score was a draw which should be considered two points dropped rather than a point gained.
The referee was also had a poor game which did not help the scrappy nature of the game.
Gunners "Man of the Match" was Matt Rees for a solid game at the back.
Match Facts
MOM : M Rees
Goals : I Peer (2)
Team
Pictures
