Gunners Lose in Mt. Albert Over 35 Tourney !

The Aurora Gunners lost in the final 1-0 to Newmarket Lightning in the recent Mt.Albert Over 35 tournament. The Gunners started slowly with a 0-0 draw with Gwilliambury Talons despite dominating the game and having a perfectly good goal called back. They followed up with impressive 2-0 wins over Newmarket Comstock and Newmarket Storm. Scott Mitchell scored a pounder in the box after dribbling past 2 players to break the deadlock against the Comstock late in the second half. Against the Storm, the Gunners scored two in the waning minutes to snatch a place in the semi-final. A lackadaisical 2-2 tie with York Heat completed the round robin, although the Gunners were up 2-0 at half. The 2 wins, 2 ties record gave them first place in the group.

The semi-final was an anti-climax with an easy 4-0 win over Aurora Kickers. Both teams showed the wear and tear of the 5th game of the day, although it was great to have two Aurora teams in the semis.

Scott and Big Albert look on in amazement as Danny Piggott demonstrates his parking skills. "What was that ?"	Alan Lavery warms up Kevin's noggin prior to the semi-final. Training for their upcoming trip to Seville me thinks.	The lads look dejected (and exhausted) after the 2-2 tie with York Heat.

In the final against Lightning, the Gunners had the best chances to win it, including hitting the post, a goal mouth scramble, and a few others that could have been put away. At the other end Danny Piggott made one outstanding save to hold off the Lightning. However, with an incompetent referee at the helm the Gunners were reduced to 10 men for the last several minutes. An unfortunate mistake resulted in a last minute goal (that was offside by the way!) and Newmarket walked away winners. It was too bad the ref decided the match, but nonetheless the final was a good game contested by two excellent teams. Full credit to the Lightning for stealing this one ... it won't happen again this season.

Congrats to the 16 players would were able to represent the Club. The Gunners were missing a few key strikers, but nonetheless fielded a strong, competitive squad. Of course, we were the last team at the field sharing a bevy afterwards. Players included a defensive core of Danny Piggott in goal, Alan Lavery, Richard Simpson, Steve Woodrow, Kevin Massey, Paul Eccleston and Dave Manery minding the backline. The midfield was patrolled by Kevin McGoldrick, Steve Hobson (Hobby), David Buckley (Buckie), Bob Campbell, Andrew Taylor (Taffee), and Ronald Ing (Chiu). The frontrunners consisted of Scott Mitchell, Alberta van Steenbergen (Big Albert), and John (from Port Perry). Great job lads and a good start to the season.