Gunners earned a point after a scrappy display against Shinfield British Legion.
The first half saw Gunners start slowly despite having the benefit of the slope and the wind and the team only created a handful of chances. Steve Tranter had an opportunity to give Gunners the lead but the opposing keeper saved well at his feet to deny him.
The team were finding it difficult to get into any sort of rhythm and play was a little scrappy. However, midway through the first half Gunners took the lead through Dave Owen after some good work by Jide. At half time Gunners held a slender 1 - 0 lead.
In the second half Gunners played against the wind and the slope and it was all one way traffic against Gunners. The team were put under constant pressure for the whole half with Shinfield employing a direct style of play which Gunners should have done in the first half.
Shinfield eventually made the breakthrough when an inswingng corner was parried by the keeper but ended up in the back of the net. However, Andy Birch then made amends with a string of good saves and some good handling to deny the opposition any further goals.
The game was marred by a double sending off owards the end of the game when Stephen Tranter had an altercation with an opponent which resulted in them both being sent off.
Gunners also had a late scare when Shinfield had a goal disallowed for offside. The final score was a 1-1 draw. Gunners "Man of the Match" was Andy Birch for keeping the team in the game with a number of good saves. Carlton Dickson also had a good game for Gunners with some good tracking back and winning a number of aerial balls.
Match Facts
MOM : A Birch
Goal : D Owen (1)
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