Earley HG vs Earley Gunners 3 - 0

Match Report

Gunners started the game well and looked sharp in the first five minutes but then went down to an early goal after a poor back bass by Matt Coggins was pounced upon by the opposing forward who finished well from close range.

Gunners found themselves playing into the sun and were under pressure against the long ball tactic used by Earley HG who added a second goal from a well judged shot from 25-30 yards out which flew into the top corner.

Gunners did create a couple of chances. Paul Ali broke from midfield and played the ball to Steve Tranter whose shot was saved by the keeper. Gunners also had another effort from the edge of the box blocked.

Earley HG added a third goal from a similar long ball and chase and were worthy 3-0 leaders at half time.

In the second half, Gunners made a few tactical adjustments and started the game brightly and finally began to harry and close down their opponents.

The game was more even but Gunners found it difficult to create clear cut chances whilst Earley HG looked dangerous on the counter attack and had a few of chances to score forcing Chris to make a number of saves.

Towards the latter part of the game, Steve was sent off for retaliating against an Earley HG player who was also sent from the field of play. Unfortunately, the Earley HG Res supporters also got involved.

As play was about to resume, a number of Earley HG Reserves players ran off the field off play to confront Steve who was leaving the game. At this point, the referee decided to abandon the game.

Overall, it was a poor Gunners performance with no player earning the "Man of the Match" award and Gunners did not deserve to take any points from the game.

Team

Earley Gunners vs Chalfont Park 1 - 1

Match Report

Gunners managed to avoid a third defeat in a row with a 1-1 draw against Chalfont.

Gunners started the game brightly and had two glorious chances to open the scoring through Mike Olivier and Steve Smith who had a clear shot on goal.

Chalfont started to assert themselves and the game was more even. Chalfont took the lead early in the first half when a corner was not cleared and they flicked the ball in from close range.

However, Gunners battled back and Peter Ali (battling a groin strain and forced to stand up front) managed to equalise when the slotted the ball home from close range. He nearly made it two with a close range effort.

Gunners were looking more dominant with Lee Gallagher putting in some great deliveries. Gunners also created some chances when Chalfont gave away possession. However, Gunners lacked that bit of composure to turn good play into goals.

The half time score was 1-1.

Chalfont came out the blocks in the second half an immediately put Gunners under pressure. Chalfont had several corners in a row and Gunners did well to defend the first ball (an improvement over last week) but should have dealt with the loose ball and pushed out more quickly.

It was fair to say that Chalfont dominated possession in the second half and had three really good chances to score but their close range finishing was poor. They also tried to overplay the ball on the edge of Gunners box and a combination of the defence and midfield managed to defend the ball.

Gunners had a few opportunities on the break through Marcus and Steve and the Chalfont keeper had to pull off a good save from one of Steve's shots. Gunners also had a number of corners and amazingly managed to play 4 corners in a row straight out of play.

Gunners should have had a penalty when Steve managed to get goal side of his marker in the box who was all over him but the penalty was not awarded.

The final score was a 1-1 draw and Gunners first point of the season. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Marcus Randles.

Match Facts

MOM : M Randles

Goal : Pe Ali (1)

Team

Pictures