Matches

GRAYS SIGN OFF WITH STYLISH VICTORY
by David Jarvis

A rampant Grays rounded off 23 home games without defeat today with a four-goal rout of a tired-looking Hayes side. Goals from Blues’ three top scorers – Martin Carthy, Freddie Eastwood and Leroy Griffiths – gave the home fans plenty to cheer about despite playing most of the second half with ten men after keeper Mel Capleton was sent off.

Grays started the game with Chris Wild playing in place of the absent Steve Robinson, and dominated much of the first half’s possession. But Hayes defended well, pushing their defensive line well forward to subdue the threat of twin strikers Griffiths and Eastwood. However the poor marking at the heart of the Hayes defence began to show on 18 minutes when a Daniel Lunan cross found Martin Carthy with space in the six yard box. But Carthy’s header was unconvincing and Hayes keeper Jallow was able to smother.

Nevertheless Grays kept up the pressure, and on 41 minutes Carthy broke the deadlock. A cross from Chris Wild broke to Danny Hayzelden whose hard and low shot could only be parried by keeper Jallow, leaving a simple tap in from three yards for the Grays captain.

Hayes could have responded before the half time whistle. As the Grays defence appealed for offside, Adam Everitt found himself through on goal only for his volleyed effort to go wide.

An entertaining half time penalty shoot out in aid of charity saw Grays coach and deputy goalkeeper Scott Barrett making saves from some of Blues' teenage fans. Little did he know what part he was to play later in the game.

Grays started the second half with all guns blazing and within ten minutes were two up. A move featuring great interplay between Leroy Griffiths and Stuart Thurgood finished with a cross to the far post where an unmarked Freddie Eastwood headed his 37th goal of the season.

The game then took on a slightly different complexion. An off the ball tussle between Hayes striker David Warner and Grays keeper Mel Capleton ended with Warner on the floor. Capleton received a straight red card for his reaction and Warner a yellow for starting the confrontation.

Scott Barrett came off the bench replacing Dean Bradshaw who had struggled to make an impact on the game. But despite being down to ten men, Grays still overran the visitors, particularly in midfield. On 65 minutes, Martin Carthy reaped the rewards after he headed home Eastwood’s cross for his second and Grays’ third.

Hayes were truly beaten now and a threaded Stuart Thurgood free kick from just inside the Hayes half put Leroy Griffiths through with the Hayes defence sleeping. Griffiths effortlessly chipped the ball over the Hayes keeper for Grays’ fourth.

Meanwhile the Missioners’ afternoon was summed up after 75 minutes when Peter Holsgrove had the ball in the net only for the linesman to blow for offside.

A jubilant Grays crowd swarmed onto the pitch at the end of the game to congratulate the players on their unbeaten home record and to conclude a highly enjoyable season.

Grays Athletic
Capleton, Bruce, Youds, Wild, Lunan, Bradshaw, Thurgood, Carthy, Hayzelden, Griffiths, Eastwood Subs: Barratt, Daly, Remy, Olayinka, Marwa

Hayes
Jallow, Case, Everitt, Collins, Yeboah, Demetrious, Holsgrove, Molesley, Holsgrove, D Warner, K Warner Subs: Gray, Scott, Goodall, Saliel

Attendance 349

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