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.
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