Matches

BOYS IN BLUE GET CAUGHT OUT AT HENDON by Carol Smith-Allen

Blues produced their second less than satisfactory performance in a week, looking only a shadow of the side that put six goals past Bognor just seven days ago. These are the sort of displays that must leave manager Mark Stimson scratching his head in disbelief.

Hendon started brightly and took the lead after only 8 minutes. A pass from Dwayne Plummer sent Eugene Ofori clear, and with the Blues defence appealing for offside, the number 10 coolly lofted the ball over Mel Capleton. The Dons continued to press forward, with Capleton needing to make a series of important saves during the opening 20 minutes.

With half-time approaching, Hendon came close to increasing their lead. Dwayne Plummer, with only the Blues keeper to beat, saw his strike expertly palmed aside.

Despite having gained more possession in the later stages of the half, Blues failed to create any significant chance of note, leaving Dons keeper Dave King a virtual spectator.

Both teams appeared livelier as the second half began, with the home side still having the upper hand. Within minutes, Mel Capleton was again called into action, producing an outstanding save to deny goal scorer Ofori adding to his tally.

With Hendon again defending deeply, Blues struggled to break through. On one of the few occasions when Grays did create an opening, Freddie Eastwood was the victim of a controversial offside decision. Blues fans were incensed, and held nothing back when making their feelings known to the referee’s assistant.

Lloyd Opara had already been introduced in place of unwell Leroy Griffiths during the first half, and on 68 minutes Blues made their second substitution with Dean Bradshaw replacing Danny Hayzelden. A few minutes later, Blues had their first real chance of the match when Freddy Eastwood’s low drive was well saved by Dave King.

With quarter of an hour remaining, Blues again felt unfairly treated by the officials; Don’s number 4 Marien Ifura, the last man, scythed down Wes Daly but received only a yellow card rather than the red one expected.

By now, Dons were just looking to preserve their one goal advantage, with tackles flying in from all angles, and further yellow cards being brandished. As the clock ticked down, Blues had what was their second and last scoring opportunity - a shot from Eddie Youds out on the left flank going narrowly wide of the goal.

Fans can only hope that with crunch local derbies against Canvey and Ford on the horizon, Blues are saving their best form for them. COME ON YOU BLUES!!!

Teams:-
Hendon:- King, Duncan, Howard, Ifura, Cooper, Cook, Plummer, Forbes, Gavin, Ofori, Cousings Subs:- J Burgess, M Burgess, Binns, Bates, Delisser
Grays Athletic:- Capleton, Bruce, Robinson, Lunan, Youds, Thurgood, Daly, Carthy, Eastwood, Hayzelden, Griffiths Subs:- Bradshaw, Barrett, Olayinka, Marwa, Opara

Referee:- Tim Ingram

Attendance:- 264

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