Gunners were outplayed by Abbey Res who eventually enjoyed a 3-0 win.
Gunners were totally outplayed in the first twenty minutes as the efforts of three games in six days caught up with Gunners who were playing a much younger team.
Abbey opened up Gunners down both flanks and put dangerous crosses into the box. It was only due to some awful finishing and Lee's efforts in goal that kept the score down to 0-0.
However, after Gunners rode the early period they were able to restrict Abbey to fewer chances although Gunners were unable to create any meaningful pressure.
Gunners best opportunity in the first half came through Bill Maslin who was one on one with the keeper and as he tried to round him, the keeper got his hand on the ball and made the save.
The half time score was 0-0 but Gunners could easily have been 3-0 down.
The second half followed the pattern of the first with Abbey having the majority of possession and spread the play well whilst Gunners battled hard defensively but did not control the ball for any long period and only created a couple of chances on the counter attack.
Abbey created a number of chances in the second half but were unable to take the lead and despite the overwhelming pressure there was a faint chance that Gunners may hang on. However, Abbey eventually broke the deadlock when they crossed the ball in from the left which was not cleared and fell into the attackers path leaving him with a simple tap in.
Abbey then sealed the game with two goals from two superb free kicks (one either side of the keeper) in a five minute spell. Paul Stout picked up an injury with a few minutes to go leaving Gunners to play the last five minutes with ten men.
Gunners "Man of the Match" was Lee Gallagher.
Match Facts
MOM : L Gallagher
Team
