Match Report
Earley Gunners came out victors after a top of the table clash against a strengthened South Stoke Res team.
It was South Stoke Res who created the most pressure early on with a string of corners although they were unable to capitalise on these chances. Gunners did have a couple of long range efforts from Sean Kearns and Dave Owen.
The game was a little scrappy in the first half with the opposition battling well in midfield and this gave the Gunners midfield little chance to play. The half time score was 0-0.
In the second half Gunners improved and some neat passing football was played. Gunners broke the deadlock when Dave Owen played a through ball to Jon Weller who slipped this past the keeper.
Gunners then had a couple more chances when Tony Poachers shot was cleared off the line and Dave Owens powerful shot hit the bar.
South Stoke tried to break out themselves, although their attacks were repulsed by a mean Gunners defence.
Ian Thornhill should have doubled the lead when the ball was played across the face of an empty net and Ian managed to put the ball wide!
However a second goal was added shortly afterwards when Kevin Rapley chased a long ball and pounced on an error from the opposing defender and keeper.
South Stoke created few chances in the second half and despite the tight scoreline Gunners were worthy winners.
Man of the Match for Gunners was Tony Poacher for a good defensive display, closely followed by Darren Fry.
Match Facts:
MOM : Tony Poacher
Goals : K Rapley (1), J Weller (1)
Team : (GK) J Willis, (RB) C Price, (CB) Pa Ali, (CB) S Kearns, (LB) T Poacher, (RM) L Holdway, (CM) D Owen, (CM) P Clark, (LM) D Fry, (F) I Thornhill, (F) K Rapley (Sub) J Weller, N Burrows, P Byrne
