Earley Gunners earned a shock win against high flying Shinfield British Legion after a battling display. Gunners made a tactical switch before the game and started with a 5-4-1 formation with an extra defender utilised in view of Shinfields attacking presence.Unfortunately Shinfield took an early lead but Gunners levelled through Ross Nelsons first goal for the club when he rifled in a low range shot after being set up by Steve Tranter. Gunners then took a 2-1 lead after a long range kick from Andy Birchput through Steve Tranter but Shinfield equalised to make it 2-2 at half time.
In the second half, Shinfield dominated possession and Gunners defended a series of corners before breaking away and adding a third goal from Steve Tranter. Gunners then hit Shinfield on the counter-attack again and scored through Paul Stout.Shinfield continued to force a series of corners but Gunners defence held firm. Steve Tranter then completed his hat-trick with a long range effort that went in between the keepers legs.
Gunners were under continued pressure and Phil Norton had to head the ball off the line and Andy Birch made a couple of point blank saves. Andy Birch unfortunately sustained an injury to his hand making a close range save but carried on bravely. However, Shinfield did add a third goal through a well struck volley but could not breach the Gunners defence any further. The final result was a 5-3 win to Gunners who were well pleased with the character shown by the team particularly in view of the slow start to the season. "Man of the Match" was a joint team award for a fine performance.
Match Facts
MOM : Team Effort
Goals : S Tranter (3), R Nelson (1), P Stout (1)
Team
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