Matches

EASTWOOD INSPIRES GRAYS REVIVAL
by David Jarvis

Grays became the only team in the Ryman Premier with an unbeaten home record today, with an undistinguished performance against the league’s bottom side. Second half goals from Lloyd Opara and Dean Bradshaw gave Blues the three points after Aylesbury’s Ryan Wiffin had put the Ducks ahead.

Mark Stimson rested three key players in Martin Carthy, Leroy Griffiths and Freddie Eastwood in advance of Tuesday’s local derby against Thurrock. Ellis Remy started up front with Lloyd Opara, with Ranbir Marwa coming in at the right of midfield.

The first half of the game was a scrappy affair in blustery conditions, and Aylesbury hinted at their “smash-and-grab” win at the Rec in the Trophy when a volley from Alvin Bubb hit the bar after 9 minutes.

Nevertheless, it was Grays who dominated much of the possession and Blues’ first clear-cut chance came on 36 minutes. A through ball from Lloyd Opara put Ellis Remy through with only the keeper to beat. But Remy decided to square the ball rather than going for goal and the Ducks managed to clear.

Opara was provider for Remy again after 40 minutes but Remy fluffed his shot. Then on 42 minutes, Danny Hayzelden hit the bar with a header from an exquisite Stuart Thurgood cross.

It was looking like it was going to be one of those afternoons for Grays, and sure enough after 66 minutes, Aylesbury seized the initiative. Poor defending on the right gave Jamie Moss plenty of space to swing in a cross. Tall Ducks striker Ryan Wiffin met the ball well and gave Mel Capleton in the Grays goal no chance.

This was just the incentive that Grays needed. Freddie Eastwood had replaced Remy after 60 minutes and had been causing problems for the Ducks. Indeed it was Eastwood’s through ball to Danny Hayzelden on the right that created the equaliser on 73 minutes. Hayzelden centred the ball to Opara who made no mistake from three yards.

Then on 88 minutes, Eastwood beat the Aylesbury defence on the left and delivered a perfectly weighted cross. Dean Bradshaw – on for Ranbir Marwa – met the cross with a looping header that evaded Ducks keeper Jack Rashid for his first goal for Blues.

With Canvey losing 3-1 to Sutton, Grays go to Thurrock on Tuesday with the league’s only home unbeaten record. But Mark Stimson’s side will need to show more desire and application if the outcome of that game is to be the same as this one.

Grays Athletic
Capleton, Bruce, Youds, Robinson, Lunan, Marwa, Daly, Thurgood, Hayzelden, Remy, Opara Subs: Bradshaw, Eastwood, Carthy, Olayinka, Barrett

Aylesbury United
Rashid, Hilton, Winter, Gordon, Garner, Hayward, Brandish, Giscombe, Wiffin, Moss, Mead Subs: Pritchard, Bubb, Powles, Nicholls, Curtis

Attendance 338

Your comments

i watched the game yesterday and Grays played tremendously, after Grays were behind, then to come back 2-1 in the last minutes watch excellent to watch! Brilliant Stuff Grays!!

I think the report is very fair. The Blues seemed to take Aylesbury a bit too lightly, but with key players rested, it came good in the end.

Congratulations to Stimmo on his 100th game.

Onward and upward to the Conference!

oh freddie freddie freddie freddie freddie freddie eastwood.
yo blues you were brilliant coming back from 0-1
down to win 2-1 and keep unbeaten run at home well done to llyod opara and dean bradshaw come on the blues beat the thurrock.

Well done again Blues we won in the end but left it late a lesson to always play your strongest side i think. Bring on Thurrock

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