The Sunday first team kicked off the season in a positive manner with 3-1 home win against newly promoted Speldhurst.
They got off to the best of possible starts with new signing Dave Burren showing off his renowned goal scoring abilities by finishing from close range following good work down the right by Chris Els. Despite us marginally having the best of the remainder of the half Speldhurst remained a threat on the break and the all important second goal was a welcome relief when it arrived five minutes before the break. It was Burren again scoring from close in after Gunny Boorman had knocked a cleared free kick back into the box.
The second half followed the pattern of the first with us on top but finding it hard to finish off a determined Speldhurst team. The third goal did though eventually arrive on 65 minutes when Chris Mearing finished off some good work by Danny McGahan on the left. Speldhurst followed this though with their best spell of the match and pulled a goal back on 80 minutes with a well taken direct free kick. Both sides had chances in the last ten as the game opened up but neither could capitalise.
A pleasing first result - made even better by Gardners shock defeat at Swan - I'm sure the Gooners unbeaten record lasted longer than one game! All three new signings Burren, McGahan and Mark Lester fitted in well. Liam Baker looked very dapper in his yellow with the defence looking very solid in front of him. Chris Els was very industrious down the right and up front it was good to see Chris Mearing continue his comeback with a goal.
Swan away next week will be another very good test.
Squad:
Baker,
Lindsey,
Coxon,
Ward,
Boorman,
Els,
Lawrence,
Lester,
McGahan,
Burren,
Mearing.
Subs
Gent (for Els),
Marshall (for Mearing).