Matches

'HARROWING' EXPERIENCE FOR BLUES by Carol Smith-Allen

After two cup exits, and a particularly poor performance on Tuesday night in the Essex Senior Cup, Blues fans were hoping for a more inspired display, but were to be disappointed until the last 15 minutes of this match.

Blues, who were without the injured Leroy Griffiths and Stuart Thurgood, found themselves behind as early as the fifth minute, when a cross from Richard Goddard was headed home by Simon Underwood.

Thurgood’s absence from midfield was evident as Harrow were first to nearly every ball. However, on 15 minutes Blues managed their first attempt on target, as a shot by Danny Hazledene was punched out by Harrow keeper, Keita Karamoko. There were further chances for Blues, with a shot from Dean Bradshaw being blocked, and another effort from Martin Carthy going just wide.

The second half began in the low-key manner in which the first had been played, with neither side showing any real desire or invention. In response, Manager Mark Stimson decided to make his first change, bringing on Daniel Lunan to replace Jamie Martin.

Before the change could have any effect, Blues conceded a second goal. The Grays defence appeared half-asleep, allowing Simon Underwood to add to his tally with another header. This prompted Stimson to make his second substitution, coming on himself in place of Dean Bradshaw.

Although Stimson’s influence began to motivate Blues, they still found it difficult to penetrate Harrow’s defence, and when they did break into the box poor finishing let them down. At this stage the likelihood of salvaging something from the game seemed remote.

However, when Harrow must have thought they had secured all 3 points, Blues stepped up a gear, and in the 89th minute Eddie Youds reduced the arrears with his first goal for the club. Initially the referee waved play on, but gave the goal after consultation with his assistant, who confirmed the ball had fully crossed the goal-line.

Grays then received a setback when player-manager Mark Stimson was dismissed with a straight Red Card for a challenge on Richard Goddard. Blues fans felt aggrieved at what seemed a rather harsh decision.

Despite this, deep into time added on for stoppages, a tremendous run and strike from out wide by hot-property Freddy Eastwood, gave Blues the point their late, late fight-back deserved.

Blues now face a tough league game away at Church Road against Hayes next weekend, and will need to put their cup disappointments behind them and recapture the form that saw them in the top six just a couple of weeks ago.

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Barrett, Williams, Robinson, Olayinka, Youds, Bradshaw, Marwa, Carthy, Eastwood, Hayzelden, Martin Subs:- Lewis, Bruce, Lunan, Stimson, Thurgood
Harrow Borough:- Karamoko, Norman, Lopez, Walters, Goddard, Marney, Underwood, McKenna, Hay, Fitzsimon, Valenti Subs:- Charles, Yoki, Ocquaye, Dogbe, Osborn

Referee:- C. Frances

Attendance:- 281

Your comments

Stunning Freddie equaliser, but what a poor allround performance. As for the sending off. What a diabolical decision! A wholehearted challenge which probably merited a freekick against Stimmo, bu tthe punishment just about summed the ref's performance on the day - almost as bad as ours!!

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