Earley Gunners met Purley Park in the first round of the Eddie Titchener Cup and were convincing winners.
Earley Gunners had a great start when they scored within 30 seconds of the start, some good work from Rob Warwick allowed Ian Thornhill to score from close range.
Gunners went through a poor ten minute spell when the opposition had several chances to score and the team had difficulty in clearing the ball from defence.
The poor pitch conditions and small size of the pitch made it hard for much decent football to be played although Gunners seemed to benefit more when the ball was played wide to Dave Owen and Darren Fry. Further goals were added in the first half from Dave Owen, Darren Fry and Rob Warwick to give the team a convincing (but perhaps a little flattering) lead.
The second half saw Gunners finish the job with further goals. Dave Owen ended up with a hat-trick, Rob Warwick scored a brace on his debut and the other goals had come from Darren Fry, Ian Thornhill, Phil Byrne and an own goal.
The most notable moment of the match was when Paul Ali was brought down in the box and Fraser McNaughton stepped up to take the penalty. Unfortunately he hit this straight at the keeper and seemed to be in a state of shock for the rest of the game.
The final result was a 8-0 win and Gunners march through to the second round of the Eddie Titchener Cup where we will meet Fourth Shift Res.
Match Facts
Goals : D Owen (3), R Warwick (2), D Fry (1), I Thornhill (1), P Byrne (1)
Team
