Earley Gunners vs Bulmershe OB 4 - 6

Match Report

Gunners lost out to league leaders Bulmershe after an entertaining game packed full of goals.

Gunners started slowly with Bulmershe having some joy down Gunners right hand side with Gunners managing the odd counter-attack.

Midway through the first half Gunners had a poor 10 minute spell when they conceded three goals.

Lee Gallagher gave Gunners a lifeline when he ran onto Jon Halls' flick on and drove the ball home from distance.

Jon Hall then added his name to the score sheet with a swift spin and shot from inside the box.
Paul Stout got himself involved in the action when he reacted to his opponents "theatrical" fall and was booked by the referee.

At the other end of the field, stand in keeper Neil Oldcorn was called into action on several occasions and some desperate defending by Gunners managed to keep the score down to 3-2 to Bulmershe at half time.

In the second half, Gunners had the perfect start when they scored within 30 seconds off kick off through Dave Owen's volley to make it 3-3.

However, Bulmershe replied when a free kick come down off the bar and was poked home from close range and they added another from a well struck shot from inside the box.

Gunners replied once again through Jon Hall who nodded home, Dave Owens lob but Bulmershe added a final goal to kill the game off.

The final score was a 6-4 defeat to Bulmershe who have virtually assured themselves of the league title.

Match Facts

MOM : D Owen

Goals : J Hall (2), L Gallagher (1), D Owen (1)

Team

Pictures

Earley Gunners vs Good Companions 0 - 3

Match Report

Ten men Gunners lost out to Good Companions despite a brave effort. The team were reduced in numbers due to the unavailability of several players and a couple of no shows and were forced to play the game with 10 men.

Gunners got off to a slow start with Goodies taking the initiative and making use of the extra man.

They took the lead through a long range effort in the first ten minutes and then added a second from a corner a few minutes later. Gunners then conceded a third goal by the 25 minute mark to put them 3-0 down.

However, Gunners then managed to have the better of the play and put together a few passing moves in midfield. Marcus Randles came close when hhis shot hit the side netting.
The half time score was 3-0 to Goodies.

The second half saw Gunners put in a good effort and kept the score down. Paul Stout pulled of a couple of good saves (one from Ross!) and was alert for the long ball which he cleared effectively whilst the defence battled well.

The Gunners midfield worked well to close down and pressurise their opponents where-ever possible and this helped them create a few opportunities with Paul Ali going close and James having a shot blocked in the penalty box.

There was a couple of heated moments with Lee Gallagher getting involved in an altercation with the opponents captain and Ross Nelson also had words with his opposite number.

Towards the end of the game, Gunners were feeling the effects of being a man down and were more stretched. Gunners were then reduced to nine men when Peter Ali went of injured leaving the team playing an unusual 3-4-1 formation for the final few minutes of the game.

The final score was a 3-0 defeat but the players should be proud of the effort and performance they put into the game.

Team

Earley Retreat vs Earley Gunners 0 - 0

Match Report

Gunners only managed a disappointing 0-0 draw against bottom of the league Earley Retreat.

Gunners dominated the opening 30 minutes although did not create many clear cut opportunities to score.

Peter Ali went close when he chased a ball onto goal although the keeper managed to block the ball.

Towards the end of the first half the Gunners keeper was finally called into action having to come and claim a couple of balls. Earley Retreat had some better possession but failed to put any clear shots on goal.

The half time score was 0-0.

In the second half the game was much more even possession wise, although Gunners initially had the better of the chances and the Earley Retreat keeper was called into action on several occasions.

Marcus appeared to be in a great position when the ball was played to him at the edge of the box in an unmarked position but he could not control the ball. He was also unlucky when his powerful strike at the edge of the box was blocked.

Peter Ali earned a free kick on the edge of the box when he was fouled although Paul Stouts subsequent free kick was blasted against the wall.

Richard Alderton also had a great chance to score when Paul Ali played the ball to him inside the six yard box but his shot was parried by the keeper. Richard also had a further chance to score when Peter Ali played the ball to him but his shot went wide.

At the other end of the field the Gunners defence looked more ragged as the game went on and Earley Retreat started to create a few openings and look stronger as the game progressed.
In the final few minutes both teams had chances to win the game. Earley Retreat were unlucky on one occasion when they were given offside after being clear on goal and also had another shot which went just wide of the post.

For Gunners, Paul Ali burst forward and lobbed the opposing keeper only to see his shot clip the post.

The final score was a 0-0 draw and Gunners lack of firepower was really evident today with the half chances not being taken.

Gunners "Man of the Match" was Jon Hall for a good game.

Match Facts

MOM : J Hall

Team

Pictures