Gunners lost in the first round of the Berks and Bucks Cup after a last minute goal despite an impressive display. Gunners started the game well and finally started to play some neat passing football and looked good in the first few minutes. Gunners had a couple of early chances the closest was a shot which was cleared off the line.
However, Gunners were dealt a sucker punch when Maidenhead scored with their first attack. A long range effort rebounded off the keeper and was finished off from close range.
Undeterred, Gunners fought back and again made some good attacking moves with Neil Oldcorn looking a lively outlet in right midfield.
Neil had a great chance to score when Matt Rees made a driving run from midfield and layed the ball off to Neil who miss-timed his shot.
However, Gunners did manage to equalise when Iain Peer lobbed the ball over the keeper.
Gunners had a lot of possession and also had a couple of chances from headers from corners including one that was cleared off the line. However, a second goal did not materialise.
The half time score was 1-1.
In the second half, Gunners started a little slowly for the first 10-15 minutes but then started to play the football again from the defence all the way through to the forward line.
The only real criticism was that the team tended to over elaborate at times when a simple lay off and shot was an option. Gunners had chances through Phil Norton, Iain Peer and Matt Rees. However, the closest chance came from the Maidenhead keeper who sliced a back pass over his head which just shaded the post before going out for a corner.
In the last twenty minutes Gunners were hit by a couple of injuries when Marcus went down and Neil went off. Neil was unable to continue leaving Gunners battling with 10 men for the last 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, started to struggle and Maidenhead began to create a few chances.
Gunners had a late claim for a penalty although the referee did not see the offence before Maidenhead counter attacked from a corner and scored a winning goal in the last minute.
Gunners could not come back and lost the game 2-1.Marcus Randles was Gunners "Man of the Match".
Overall, it was a very good display from Gunners who played their best football so far this season with some good passing football from all areas of the field. Unfortunately, the team could not finish their numerous chances and the Maidenhead keeper made some good saves to keep them in the game.
Match Facts
MOM : M Randles
Goal : I Peer (1)
Team
Facts
