Matches

BLUES DROP CRUCIAL POINTS AHEAD OF LOCAL CLASH WITH LEADERS
by Alan Fulbrook and Paul Smith-Allen

After their midweek win at St Albans, Mark Stimson’s side were looking to further boost their confidence ahead of Tuesday’s clash with local rivals and league leaders Canvey Island, but had to settle for a hard-earned point at Kettering. Many Blues fans made the long trip up to Rockingham Road from Essex to witness a game of few clear-cut chances, and will have been a little disappointed to see their side drop two vital points.

Grays started well, moving the ball around freely and skipper Martin Carthy found himself, to his own surprise it seemed, in front of goal with the ball at his feet. Carthy appeared to wait for an offside flag, delayed too long, and the chance was wasted.

The Poppies began to get back into the game and nearly opened the scoring on 17 minutes. Darren Lynch’s clever flick-on found Richard Graham and the number seven drove a firm shot narrowly past the post with Blues keeper Mel Capleton struggling to get across his goal.

Bright sunshine greeted the players as they came out for the second half and Kettering started the better of the sides. An early chance fell to Graham but his weak finish allowed Capleton to save easily. Paul Fewings also went close on 55 minutes, shooting across goal, the ball evading the outstretched legs of Grays defenders and the persistent Graham.

Blues responded with a sustained spell of good pressure, and at this stage the Poppies looked to be on the rack. Chances came and went for Eastwood, Carthy and Lunan but were not converted and the momentum slipped away.

Leroy Griffiths sustained what looked worryingly like a hamstring injury and was replaced by Ellis Remy on 66 minutes. Lloyd Opara also joined the fray, coming on for Wes Daly as the game entered the last quarter of an hour.

Both teams had chances to snatch all three points in the dying minutes. With three minutes left Freddie Eastwood beat several defenders in the box but was finally outnumbered before he could get a shot away. Then in injury time, Poppies almost stole it through substitute Eliot Paschalis. The number sixteen, on for Michael McKenzie, rose unchallenged to meet Lewis Reid’s cross but failed to hit the target.

Grays now trail second placed Hendon by four points and are tied on 61 points with Bognor and Carshalton. With Hendon travelling to Heybridge on Tuesday night, Blues may need to produce something special at Canvey if they are to maintain their push for the runners-up spot.

Teams

Kettering Town
Bunn, Matthews, Norman (Capt), Reid, Solkhon, Mcllwain, Graham, Cavill, Lynch, McKenzie, Fewings. Subs: Carson, King, Boyle-Chong, Paschalis, Bourne.

Grays Athletic
Capleton, Marwa, Robinson, Lunan, Youds, Thurgood, Daly, Carthy (Capt), Eastwood, Hayzelden, Griffiths. Subs: Bradshaw, Barrett, Olayinka, Opara, Remy.

Referee: Mr I.Starr

Attendance: 734

Your comments

we really needed a win here !

Carthy missed a sitter? No, i don't believe that.

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