Quick Blog Update
Just a quick note to say this blog will continue to act as an archive for Earley Gunners FC.
However, any running related posts have now moved to a new blog here.
Best Wishes
Paul
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The End of Gunners!
Season Summary
With half of last seasons team having departed, this season was going to be a massive struggle for Gunners. Whilst Gunners had signed plenty of players, many of these were on a casual "odd game" basis and the number of regular players were limited.
The key areas of concern were a general lack of players, the lack of a specialist keeper and a prolific striker to replace Bill.
The first game of the season saw Gunners at home against Shinfield with Gunners managing to scrape together a starting lineup of 11 players with a "guest" player on the bench. Gunners conceded a penalty to go 1-0 down and then after making their only substitution saw an injury reduce them to 10 men for 40 minutes of the game. Gunners managed to stay in the game right towards the end and then had a lifeline when Paul Ali earned a penalty with a few minutes to go. Unfortunately, Paul’s shot was saved by the keeper leaving Gunners narrow losers. Peter Ali was Gunners "Man of the Match".
The second game of the season saw Gunners struggle to raise a team and ended up fielding a "guest" keeper. Richard Alderton turned up ‘flu ridden but hung around as Gunners only substitute. A changed line up saw Gunners start the game slowly and Wokingham took advantage going a couple of goals up. Gunners battled back in the second half but the game was beyond their reach and Gunners suffered their second defeat in a row despite an excellent performance from Mike Olivier.
Gunners then faced fellow strugglers Chalfont Park and again only managed to start the game with a bare 11 players (Steve Tranter turned up midway through the first half). Gunners started well and opened up Chalfont on a couple of occasions but could not convert these chances into goals. Chalfont then took the lead before Peter Ali suffered an injury during the first half and was forced to play up front as best he could before Steve arrived just before half time and a substitution was made. However, Peter did manage to score a goal to make it 1-1 at half time. Chalfont had the better of the second half but Gunners held out to give them a point. Marcus Randles was the pick of the Gunners players.
Next up was an away tie against Earley HG Res now referred to as "The Battle of Bulmershe". Gunners gave away an early goal and were outplayed during the first half leaving them 3-0 down. A more spirited performance in the second half saw Gunners create a few chances before Steve Tranter retaliated to a late tackle by an opponent which saw both players sent off and the Earley HG supporter getting involved in the ensuing scuffle.
Following some verbals between Steve and several Earley HG players and supporters, Steve was instructed to leave the game and go home. Unfortunately, as he made his way to the car park he was confronted by 3 Earley HG players who ran off the field as he left. A scuffle ensued which was calmed down from players form both sides but the referee had seen enough and abandoned the game with about 10 minutes to go. Gunners then faced a charge of failing to control their players and supporters (of which Gunners only had 2 both which were not involved) and denied the charge although Steve accepted his sending off was appropriate. A written denial was submitted as the potential cost of a hearing was too costly but the charge was upheld and Gunners were fined £50. As the cost of appealing the decision was £50 it was uneconomic to pursue the matter and it appears that the punishment was minor in any case. Following this game, Steve elected to join another team as he was not enjoying his football and so another player was lost.
Gunners then faced Good Companions in the league and again only just managed to scrape 12 players together including a recovering Peter Ali on the bench. A much changed around side (including the fourth different keeper in five games) lost out 4-0. Marcus Randles and Mike Olivier were the form players for Gunners.
After this result it was plain to see that many of the regular players were pretty dejected and an ad-hoc team meeting was held immediately after the game. With Gunners struggling to get 11 players each week, it was agreed between the senior players and Manager that the team would see out the end of the season and then disband the team. They also agreed to put the word out to all ex-players to lend a hand by making the odd appearance or two to help the team get through the season.
Gunners faced Division 1 side Trentonians in the Cup and after a close fought game lost out 3-1 with Paul Marten scoring a rare goal whilst ex-Gunner Paul Clark made a return appearance for the team.
Gunners then faced league leaders Purple Turtle in their 200th ever competive game and despite a good performance form Chris Fielding in goal lost out 4-1. Paul Ali did score the only goal for Gunners on his 200th appearance for the club.
Gunners were still seeking their first win of the season and earned this when they beat fellow strugglers Chalfont Park 4-3 in the return fixture. Gunners could only manage to get 11 players but fortunately saw the game out with no injuries and secured the win with a good effort from all the players.
Gunners then faced Woodley Saints in a league encounter and again could only manage to raise 12 men and were beaten 4-2 despite a good performance from Lee Gallagher in goal. It was clear from this game that Gunners did not have sufficient resources to compete effectively with other teams in the division and it wasn’t helped that ever present player Paul Ali suffered a hamstring injury in the final few minutes of the game.
And so Gunners came to their final ever competitive game against Ruscombe. Gunners could not raise a side and turned up with 11 players, including 3 "guest" players and an injured Paul Ali who was literally a passenger due to his injury. Gunners were soundly beaten by Ruscombe 6-0 and it was fair to say that nobody enjoyed the game.
Following this game, Manager Paul Ali telephoned most of the senior players to discuss the teams position. Put bluntly, the team did not have sufficient resources to continue and the game against Ruscombe was clear evidence of that. Despite putting a call to ex-Gunners players to lend a hand, the team had struggled to raise a team each week and Gunners were uncompetitive in the league. The choice was simple, did players fancy carrying on?
The answer was no and a decision was made to disband the team with immediate effect. Whilst most people were disappointed with the outcome everyone realised that it was not sustainable to continue and a sensible decision was made.
And so after starting in 1998 and after more than 200 games which had seen Gunners start from Division 2 of the Tilehurst Trophies Friendly League and being promoted or elevated 4 times over 8-9 years to reach Division 2 East of the Reading Sunday League Gunners had called it a day and would not play a competitive game again.
With half of last seasons team having departed, this season was going to be a massive struggle for Gunners. Whilst Gunners had signed plenty of players, many of these were on a casual "odd game" basis and the number of regular players were limited.
The key areas of concern were a general lack of players, the lack of a specialist keeper and a prolific striker to replace Bill.
The first game of the season saw Gunners at home against Shinfield with Gunners managing to scrape together a starting lineup of 11 players with a "guest" player on the bench. Gunners conceded a penalty to go 1-0 down and then after making their only substitution saw an injury reduce them to 10 men for 40 minutes of the game. Gunners managed to stay in the game right towards the end and then had a lifeline when Paul Ali earned a penalty with a few minutes to go. Unfortunately, Paul’s shot was saved by the keeper leaving Gunners narrow losers. Peter Ali was Gunners "Man of the Match".
The second game of the season saw Gunners struggle to raise a team and ended up fielding a "guest" keeper. Richard Alderton turned up ‘flu ridden but hung around as Gunners only substitute. A changed line up saw Gunners start the game slowly and Wokingham took advantage going a couple of goals up. Gunners battled back in the second half but the game was beyond their reach and Gunners suffered their second defeat in a row despite an excellent performance from Mike Olivier.
Gunners then faced fellow strugglers Chalfont Park and again only managed to start the game with a bare 11 players (Steve Tranter turned up midway through the first half). Gunners started well and opened up Chalfont on a couple of occasions but could not convert these chances into goals. Chalfont then took the lead before Peter Ali suffered an injury during the first half and was forced to play up front as best he could before Steve arrived just before half time and a substitution was made. However, Peter did manage to score a goal to make it 1-1 at half time. Chalfont had the better of the second half but Gunners held out to give them a point. Marcus Randles was the pick of the Gunners players.
Next up was an away tie against Earley HG Res now referred to as "The Battle of Bulmershe". Gunners gave away an early goal and were outplayed during the first half leaving them 3-0 down. A more spirited performance in the second half saw Gunners create a few chances before Steve Tranter retaliated to a late tackle by an opponent which saw both players sent off and the Earley HG supporter getting involved in the ensuing scuffle.
Following some verbals between Steve and several Earley HG players and supporters, Steve was instructed to leave the game and go home. Unfortunately, as he made his way to the car park he was confronted by 3 Earley HG players who ran off the field as he left. A scuffle ensued which was calmed down from players form both sides but the referee had seen enough and abandoned the game with about 10 minutes to go. Gunners then faced a charge of failing to control their players and supporters (of which Gunners only had 2 both which were not involved) and denied the charge although Steve accepted his sending off was appropriate. A written denial was submitted as the potential cost of a hearing was too costly but the charge was upheld and Gunners were fined £50. As the cost of appealing the decision was £50 it was uneconomic to pursue the matter and it appears that the punishment was minor in any case. Following this game, Steve elected to join another team as he was not enjoying his football and so another player was lost.
Gunners then faced Good Companions in the league and again only just managed to scrape 12 players together including a recovering Peter Ali on the bench. A much changed around side (including the fourth different keeper in five games) lost out 4-0. Marcus Randles and Mike Olivier were the form players for Gunners.
After this result it was plain to see that many of the regular players were pretty dejected and an ad-hoc team meeting was held immediately after the game. With Gunners struggling to get 11 players each week, it was agreed between the senior players and Manager that the team would see out the end of the season and then disband the team. They also agreed to put the word out to all ex-players to lend a hand by making the odd appearance or two to help the team get through the season.
Gunners faced Division 1 side Trentonians in the Cup and after a close fought game lost out 3-1 with Paul Marten scoring a rare goal whilst ex-Gunner Paul Clark made a return appearance for the team.
Gunners then faced league leaders Purple Turtle in their 200th ever competive game and despite a good performance form Chris Fielding in goal lost out 4-1. Paul Ali did score the only goal for Gunners on his 200th appearance for the club.
Gunners were still seeking their first win of the season and earned this when they beat fellow strugglers Chalfont Park 4-3 in the return fixture. Gunners could only manage to get 11 players but fortunately saw the game out with no injuries and secured the win with a good effort from all the players.
Gunners then faced Woodley Saints in a league encounter and again could only manage to raise 12 men and were beaten 4-2 despite a good performance from Lee Gallagher in goal. It was clear from this game that Gunners did not have sufficient resources to compete effectively with other teams in the division and it wasn’t helped that ever present player Paul Ali suffered a hamstring injury in the final few minutes of the game.
And so Gunners came to their final ever competitive game against Ruscombe. Gunners could not raise a side and turned up with 11 players, including 3 "guest" players and an injured Paul Ali who was literally a passenger due to his injury. Gunners were soundly beaten by Ruscombe 6-0 and it was fair to say that nobody enjoyed the game.
Following this game, Manager Paul Ali telephoned most of the senior players to discuss the teams position. Put bluntly, the team did not have sufficient resources to continue and the game against Ruscombe was clear evidence of that. Despite putting a call to ex-Gunners players to lend a hand, the team had struggled to raise a team each week and Gunners were uncompetitive in the league. The choice was simple, did players fancy carrying on?
The answer was no and a decision was made to disband the team with immediate effect. Whilst most people were disappointed with the outcome everyone realised that it was not sustainable to continue and a sensible decision was made.
And so after starting in 1998 and after more than 200 games which had seen Gunners start from Division 2 of the Tilehurst Trophies Friendly League and being promoted or elevated 4 times over 8-9 years to reach Division 2 East of the Reading Sunday League Gunners had called it a day and would not play a competitive game again.
Ruscombe Res vs Earley Gunners 6 - 0
Match Report
Gunners lost 6-0 to Ruscombe in the league.
Gunners were struggling from the start only managing the bare 11 players and no specialist keeper this also included an injured Paul Ali who had not recovered from a hamstring injury the week so the starting team were effectively 10 with an extra passenger up front.
The team got off to a poor start with Ruscombe creating several chances early on and the Gunners defence looking under pressure. Ruscombe took the lead and then added a second to give them a comfortable lead.
Gunners could only manage a few shots at range in the first half and failed to put Ruscombe under pressure.
Ruscombe had plenty of chances to add to the lead but some blocked shots and poor finishing meant they could not add to their tally.
Unfortunately, another injury meant a change in personal with the injured player going in goal.
The second half saw Gunners start more brightly and they created a couple of half chances through the midfield.
However, Ruscombe added a third goal to give them the comfort of a 3 goal lead and they soon began to wear Gunners down.
Gunners failed to play much football and were guilty of giving away possession too easily. Gunners best chance to score came from a free kick which hit the cross bar.
Ruscombe added three more goals in the last 20 minutes to give them a comfortable 6-0 win.
For Gunners, yet another failure to raise a full squad did not give Gunners any hope of competing effectively.
Team
Gunners lost 6-0 to Ruscombe in the league.
Gunners were struggling from the start only managing the bare 11 players and no specialist keeper this also included an injured Paul Ali who had not recovered from a hamstring injury the week so the starting team were effectively 10 with an extra passenger up front.
The team got off to a poor start with Ruscombe creating several chances early on and the Gunners defence looking under pressure. Ruscombe took the lead and then added a second to give them a comfortable lead.
Gunners could only manage a few shots at range in the first half and failed to put Ruscombe under pressure.
Ruscombe had plenty of chances to add to the lead but some blocked shots and poor finishing meant they could not add to their tally.
Unfortunately, another injury meant a change in personal with the injured player going in goal.
The second half saw Gunners start more brightly and they created a couple of half chances through the midfield.
However, Ruscombe added a third goal to give them the comfort of a 3 goal lead and they soon began to wear Gunners down.
Gunners failed to play much football and were guilty of giving away possession too easily. Gunners best chance to score came from a free kick which hit the cross bar.
Ruscombe added three more goals in the last 20 minutes to give them a comfortable 6-0 win.
For Gunners, yet another failure to raise a full squad did not give Gunners any hope of competing effectively.
Team
Woodley Saints vs Earley Gunners 4 - 2
Match Report
Gunners lost 4-2 to lowly Woodley Saints. Saints were much the better side in the first 15 minutes and created a number of chances to score with dangerous crosses into the box. Gunners failed to match them for this period and were put under some extreme pressure.
Saints pressure eventually told when they scored from a corner with a free header after a lack of concentration from Gunners.
Gunners found it difficult to play and decent football with the ball not being kept under control and passes going astray.
Towards the latter period of the half Gunners settled into the game and started to create a couple of chances Mike Olivier coming close with a couple of ranged shots. However, Saints had the beating of Gunners down the left and right and played numerous crosses into the box. Lee Gallagher did well to palm these away.
At half time the score was 1-0 and despite a poor first half Gunners were still in the game. In the second Gunners went 2-0 down when a Saints shot was deflected in via Jaap who tried to block the ball. Saints then made it fairly comfortbale with a third goal after Gunners failed to clear a cross. Saints nearly made it four but Lee Gallagher pulled off a great reflex save to deflect the ball that was heading for the corner over the bar.
Despite, conceding the goals Gunners had more of the game than the first half. Gunners re-arranged formation pushing Peter Ali upfront and he soon earned Gunners a penalty when he was brought down in the box. Marcus Randles cooly converted the penalty for his first goal of the season.
The Gunners central midfield pairing of Mike Olivier and Paul Ali were working hard and Gunners started to have a few more breaks.
Gunners started to make Saints feel uncomfortable when they added a second goal. Peter Ali made a great run down the right and played the ball through to Matt Coggins who crossed for Mike Olivier to score. The score was 3-2 and Gunners had the chance of a draw with about 10 minutes on the clock.
Gunners committed another man forward but were caught on the counterattack when the Saints forward turned the full back and scored at the near post with a shot from the edge of the box to win the game.
Gunners had a couple of chances from crosses into the box but could not force another goal leaving Saints 4-2 winners. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Lee Gallagher for a good game in goal. Marcus and Richard Alderton also worked hard during the game and were worthy mentions.
Match Facts
MOM : L Gallagher
Goals : M Randles (1), M Olivier (1)
Team
Gunners lost 4-2 to lowly Woodley Saints. Saints were much the better side in the first 15 minutes and created a number of chances to score with dangerous crosses into the box. Gunners failed to match them for this period and were put under some extreme pressure.
Saints pressure eventually told when they scored from a corner with a free header after a lack of concentration from Gunners.
Gunners found it difficult to play and decent football with the ball not being kept under control and passes going astray.
Towards the latter period of the half Gunners settled into the game and started to create a couple of chances Mike Olivier coming close with a couple of ranged shots. However, Saints had the beating of Gunners down the left and right and played numerous crosses into the box. Lee Gallagher did well to palm these away.
At half time the score was 1-0 and despite a poor first half Gunners were still in the game. In the second Gunners went 2-0 down when a Saints shot was deflected in via Jaap who tried to block the ball. Saints then made it fairly comfortbale with a third goal after Gunners failed to clear a cross. Saints nearly made it four but Lee Gallagher pulled off a great reflex save to deflect the ball that was heading for the corner over the bar.
Despite, conceding the goals Gunners had more of the game than the first half. Gunners re-arranged formation pushing Peter Ali upfront and he soon earned Gunners a penalty when he was brought down in the box. Marcus Randles cooly converted the penalty for his first goal of the season.
The Gunners central midfield pairing of Mike Olivier and Paul Ali were working hard and Gunners started to have a few more breaks.
Gunners started to make Saints feel uncomfortable when they added a second goal. Peter Ali made a great run down the right and played the ball through to Matt Coggins who crossed for Mike Olivier to score. The score was 3-2 and Gunners had the chance of a draw with about 10 minutes on the clock.
Gunners committed another man forward but were caught on the counterattack when the Saints forward turned the full back and scored at the near post with a shot from the edge of the box to win the game.
Gunners had a couple of chances from crosses into the box but could not force another goal leaving Saints 4-2 winners. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Lee Gallagher for a good game in goal. Marcus and Richard Alderton also worked hard during the game and were worthy mentions.
Match Facts
MOM : L Gallagher
Goals : M Randles (1), M Olivier (1)
Team
Monday, October 30, 2006
Chalfont Park vs Earley Gunners 3 - 4
Match Report
Gunners won their first game of the season after a close game with Chalfont Park.
Gunners started the game well and took a lead through Mike Olivier who drilled the ball home from a wide angle after a pass from Marcus Randles.
Gunners then made it 2-0 when Matt Rees latched onto another Marcus Randles pass and took it pass the last defender with a neat flick before lifting the ball over the keeper.
Chalfont pulled a goal back before half time when they played the ball forward to an attacker who appeared to be in an offside position, Gunners recovered and cleared again only for Chalfont to head the ball forward to another player who was clearly off-side and Gunners stopped assuming the free kick would have been given. However, the referee waved play on and Chalfont scored from close range.
The half time score was 2-1 to Gunners who had played a good first half and deservedly held the lead.
In the second half, Gunners failed to get started and played on the back foot for most of the half inviting Chalfont to come forward. Chalfont obliged and equalised when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Their shot hit the post and Gunners failed to react to the loose ball and the forward slotted home from close range.
Gunners then made it 3-2 when Marcus Randles put a guest player through on goal who slipped the ball past the keeper. However, Chalfont came back again when they had another free kick which was crossed to the far post and Gunners did not track their man allowing them to score from inside the box.
Both sides had a couple of chances to win the game. Gunners were guilty of giving away too many free kicks and were under pressure from these shots or crosses. At the other end of the field, Paul Ali headed over the bar and Matt Rees had a chance to score when he beat a man but pulled his shot wide. Gunners also had a couple of chances blocked from Mike Olivier.
Gunners also had a few threatening positions but failed to release the ball to a man in space and wasted a couple of good opportunities. However with about 15 minutes to go, Gunners took the lead when they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box for the keeper picking the ball up twice. Paul Ali touched the ball to a guest player who drilled a shot low into the corner.
For the final few minutes Gunners held out although Paul Marten was required to make a last ditch clearance off the six yard line to prevent a goal scoring opportunity. Gunners held out for the final few minutes to earn a 4-3 win. "Man of the Match" was a team award for a spirited performance particularly in the first half.
Match Facts
MOM : Team Award
Goals : A Guest (2), M Olivier (1), M Rees (1)
Team
Pictures
Gunners won their first game of the season after a close game with Chalfont Park.
Gunners started the game well and took a lead through Mike Olivier who drilled the ball home from a wide angle after a pass from Marcus Randles.
Gunners then made it 2-0 when Matt Rees latched onto another Marcus Randles pass and took it pass the last defender with a neat flick before lifting the ball over the keeper.
Chalfont pulled a goal back before half time when they played the ball forward to an attacker who appeared to be in an offside position, Gunners recovered and cleared again only for Chalfont to head the ball forward to another player who was clearly off-side and Gunners stopped assuming the free kick would have been given. However, the referee waved play on and Chalfont scored from close range.
The half time score was 2-1 to Gunners who had played a good first half and deservedly held the lead.
In the second half, Gunners failed to get started and played on the back foot for most of the half inviting Chalfont to come forward. Chalfont obliged and equalised when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Their shot hit the post and Gunners failed to react to the loose ball and the forward slotted home from close range.
Gunners then made it 3-2 when Marcus Randles put a guest player through on goal who slipped the ball past the keeper. However, Chalfont came back again when they had another free kick which was crossed to the far post and Gunners did not track their man allowing them to score from inside the box.
Both sides had a couple of chances to win the game. Gunners were guilty of giving away too many free kicks and were under pressure from these shots or crosses. At the other end of the field, Paul Ali headed over the bar and Matt Rees had a chance to score when he beat a man but pulled his shot wide. Gunners also had a couple of chances blocked from Mike Olivier.
Gunners also had a few threatening positions but failed to release the ball to a man in space and wasted a couple of good opportunities. However with about 15 minutes to go, Gunners took the lead when they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box for the keeper picking the ball up twice. Paul Ali touched the ball to a guest player who drilled a shot low into the corner.
For the final few minutes Gunners held out although Paul Marten was required to make a last ditch clearance off the six yard line to prevent a goal scoring opportunity. Gunners held out for the final few minutes to earn a 4-3 win. "Man of the Match" was a team award for a spirited performance particularly in the first half.
Match Facts
MOM : Team Award
Goals : A Guest (2), M Olivier (1), M Rees (1)
Team
Pictures
Earley Gunners vs Purple Turtle 1 - 4
Match Report
Gunners played their 200th ever competitive game but could not get their first win of the season losing 4-1 to league leaders Purple Turtle.
It was an even start to the game with both teams failing to have real possession of the ball. Purple Turtle took the lead when they were awarded a free kick outside the box and they scored direct from this kick.
However, Gunners pulled a goal back when a long ball was thrown into the box and Paul Ali reacted quickest to prod the ball home from close range.
Purple Turtle then added two goals in as many minutes just before half time to give them a commanding lead. The first came from a shot outside the box when the attacker was not closed down and the second came from their left wing when a cross was deflected into the Gunners goal.
Gunners could have made it 3-2 when Richard Alderton played Paul Ali through on goal. Paul layed the ball off to a free player who scored but the goal was controversially ruled out for off-side.
The half time score was 3-1. In the second half, Purple Turtle were the better of the teams and had the majority of possession. They added a fourth goal which Gunners felt should have been off-side and then looked comfortable for the rest of the game.
Gunners pushed an extra man up front and created a few half chances but failed to really trouble the keeper.
At the other end of the field, some desperate defending was required to prevent Purple Turtle from scoring on a couple of occasions. Chris Fielding was required to make a number of saves.
The final score was a 4-1 defeat. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Chris Fielding in goal.
Match Facts
MOM : C Fielding
Goals : Pa Ali (1)
Team
Gunners played their 200th ever competitive game but could not get their first win of the season losing 4-1 to league leaders Purple Turtle.
It was an even start to the game with both teams failing to have real possession of the ball. Purple Turtle took the lead when they were awarded a free kick outside the box and they scored direct from this kick.
However, Gunners pulled a goal back when a long ball was thrown into the box and Paul Ali reacted quickest to prod the ball home from close range.
Purple Turtle then added two goals in as many minutes just before half time to give them a commanding lead. The first came from a shot outside the box when the attacker was not closed down and the second came from their left wing when a cross was deflected into the Gunners goal.
Gunners could have made it 3-2 when Richard Alderton played Paul Ali through on goal. Paul layed the ball off to a free player who scored but the goal was controversially ruled out for off-side.
The half time score was 3-1. In the second half, Purple Turtle were the better of the teams and had the majority of possession. They added a fourth goal which Gunners felt should have been off-side and then looked comfortable for the rest of the game.
Gunners pushed an extra man up front and created a few half chances but failed to really trouble the keeper.
At the other end of the field, some desperate defending was required to prevent Purple Turtle from scoring on a couple of occasions. Chris Fielding was required to make a number of saves.
The final score was a 4-1 defeat. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Chris Fielding in goal.
Match Facts
MOM : C Fielding
Goals : Pa Ali (1)
Team
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