Gunners reached the semi-finals of the Jack Taylor Cup after overcoming Division 1 opponents Good Companions. Very poor pitch conditions made it difficult for both teams although Gunners found it slightly harder to come to terms with the surface. Chris Price was an early casualty in the game and was replaced in the first twenty minutes by Nick Burrows.
The first half was a fairly even affair. Gunners created several opportunities up front but failed to score whilst Good Companions had a few close chances against a disorganised Gunners defence. The Gunners midfield also seemed to struggle in the first half with the large heavy pitch sapping people’s strength.
Good Companions did take the lead through a disputed penalty but Gunners replied through Paul Clarks close range shot. The half time score was 1-1.
The second half saw Gunners have the advantage of the slope and wind and soon Gunners began to dominate the game. The midfield took more control and began to pass the ball around whilst the defence were a lot more organised.
Paul Clark completed his first hat-trick for the club with two stunning long range goals (one from each foot) whilst further goals were added from Darren Fry and Kevin Rapley. As soon as Gunners scored a couple of goals, Good Companions fell to pieces and Gunners had the game virtually wrapped up at 3-1.
The final result was a comfortable 5-1 win for Gunners who now meet Ruscombe Res in the semi-finals. Tony Poacher was Gunners "Man of the Match" closely followed by Paul Clark and Jon Weller.
Match Facts
MOM : T Poacher
Goals : P Clark (3), K Rapley (1), D Fry (1)
Team : (GK) F McNaughton, (RB) C Price, (CB) S Kearns, (CB) Pa Ali, (LB) T Poacher, (RM) J Weller, (CM) D Owen, (CM) P Clark, (LM) D Fry, (F) K Rapley, (F) I Thornhill, (Sub) N Burrows.
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