Gunners went out of the Berks & Bucks Cup losing 3-1 to Division 1 West side Trentonians. It was a much improved performance for Gunners who reverted to a 4-5-1 with Paul Marten relishing the opportunity of playing up front.
The first twenty minutes were fairly tight with neither keeper really troubled. Trentonians looked the more dangerous team and started to look more menacing down their left (Gunners right) and started to play a few dangerous crosses in during the latter period of the first half.
At the other end of the field, despite some hard work from Paul Marten the Trentonian keeper had very few shots to save. Gunners had a few potential opportunities to score when Mike Olivier broke free on a couple of occasions down the right.
With about 2 minutes to go before half time, Trentonians scored two quick goals. The first was a cross into the box which was chested down by the Trentonians player who layed it off for a colleague to score from close range.
The second saw a ball played through the defence to put the Trentonian winger who had cut in from the left a clear shot on goal. Paul Ali made a last ditch tackle to block the shot as the Gunners keeper also came out but the ball was then played to a free player who tapped the ball inside the box.
At half time Gunners were 2-0 down due to 2 goals in a matter of minutes. The second half saw Gunners under pressure for the first twenty minutes with a series of crosses and corners but Iain in goal managed claimed these well. Ross Nelson then had to depart the field of play with a groin strain which saw Gunners reshuffle the team slightly.
Trentonians then added a third goal to make it 3-0 before Paul Marten scored his first of the season when he chased a lost cause won the ball in a tussle with the Trentonians keeper and scored with a shot into an empty net from outside the box. Paul Marten then had a chance to make it a two but couldn't convert.
Matt Rees won some important flick on's which gave Gunners a couple of breaks although Gunners best chance came when Paul Clark wove his way into the box but fired wide. Matt Coggins and Nigel Hinkson also had further chances to score. At the other end of the field, Trentonians were also creating a few chances and should have made it safe when the opposing attacker missed a 1 on 1. Peter Ali was then forced to make a goal line clearance to prevent Trentonians from adding to the lead.
Richard Alderton made a few runs from left back but couldn't force an opportunity and as time ran out Gunners could not find a goal they needed to put Trentonians under pressure for the last few minutes.
Time ran out leaving Gunners losing 3-1 but it was a better performance than previous weeks.
Match Facts:
Goal : P Marten (1)
Team
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