Gunners started the season with one point after a 0 - 0 draw with West End on a hot September day. The game was fairly even at first with neither side creating any clear chances early on.
The defence look comfortable with Peter Ali attacking the long ball well and with new debutant Ross Nelson looking assured in the middle. Towards the end of the first half Gunners had a little more possession and created a couple of chances.
Dave Owen was unlucky not to open the scoring when his low drive cannoned off the post. He also saw a free kick go wide from outside the box. The half time score was 0 - 0.
In the second half, Paul Ali should have given Gunners the lead when he missed from close range.
West End also had a period of pressure and Neil Oldcorn recovered well and brought the ball out of defence on a couple of occasions.
Peter Ali was unfortunately injured when he tried to clear a loose ball (Jackal!) and he was replaced by Paul Marten. Paul Stout also had a good header on goal which was saved.
At the other end of the field Andy Birch was required to make a couple of saves including one he tipped over the cross bar to keep the score at 0-0.
Gunners also had a scare when West End looked through on goal but a last ditch clearance from Neil Oldcorn saved the day.
When the West End number 4 was injured, their defence looked a little more susceptible to the long ball and Gunners forced a couple of half chances with the West End keeper clearing the ball out.
As the game entered the later stages neither side looked like they were going to force the issue and the final result was a 0 - 0 draw which overall was a fair result with neither team dominating the game.
It was a solid performance from the team with the defence looking solid. Gunners did lack a edge when attacking and failed to really pass the ball around the pitch generally and did not take advantage of a wide pitch.
However, the players did give a good level of effort and worked well together despite the hot weather and should not be too disappointed with a point.
Neil Oldcorn was Gunners "Man of the Match".
Match Facts
MOM : N Oldcorn
Team
Pictures
