Gunners were edged out by high flyers Shinfield in a close game.
Shinfield forced the early pace and Gunners had to defend a series of corners although Shinfield found it difficult to create clear cut chances.
Shinfield looked more dangerous on the break and Duncan Josey had to make a couple of one on one saves. Paul Marten kept Gunners in the game when his last ditch sliding tackle cleared the ball from a certain goal.
Gunners had a few half chances from distance although the Gunners keeper was much busier with some solid handling required.
However, Gunners did take the lead through Phil Nortons close range finish, his first goal of the season with Carl Littlechild assisting.
Shinfield did strike back before the break with a neat turn and close range shot to level the scores.
The half time score was 1 - 1. Gunners had the first effort of the second half when Marcus Randles cross from the right hand side was just headed over the bar.
However Shinfield took a 2 - 1 lead before Gunners equalised about 90 seconds later through a left foot shot from Matt Rees to make it 2-2. Paul Stout had an effort on goal when his swivel and shot went wide and Gunners also had an effort from a corner cleared off the line.
Shinfield grabbed a third goal towards the end of the game to make it 3-2 and despite Gunners trying to force the pace could not find the equaliser.
Marcus Randles had a good game and worked extremely hard up front by himself although "Man of the Match" went to Duncan Josey, the keeper for a good game and some vital saves.
Match Facts
MOM : D Josey
Goals : M Rees (1), P Norton (1)
Team
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