Matches

In another jaw-dropping Cup tie, Blues eventually earned their place in the First Round Proper. But following on from Saturday's controversial comeback from Conference side Margate, tonight's tie wasn't without its heart-stopping moments.

Grays went into the lead in the first half through Stuart Thurgood. But with just 6 minutes of regulation time left, Margate's 3rd goal hero on Saturday Jay Saunders made it all square.

Then in extra time, Blues scored twice in two minutes with Thurgood snatching a second and Freddie Eastwood making another appearance on the scoresheet on 105 and 106 minutes respectively. Saturday's 3-1 lead was restored and the tie was once again thought to be over for the Conference side.

But once again Margate mounted an astounding comeback with goals from Jake Leberl and Darren Annon to take the score to 3-3, and penalties.

In the end, Grays keeper Mel Capleton was the ultimate hero of the tie - saving 2 of Margate's 4 attempts to put Grays through 3-1 on penalties.

Surely the most phenomenal two Cup ties in which the Club has been involved in recent times! A round of sporting applause should go out to Margate for their non-stop battling when the chips were down.

Nevertheless it is Blues who take the spoils, and go through to meet ex-Ryman Leaguers Aldershot in the First Round at home on November 8th.

Your comments

JUSTICE! After last weekend's shameful events by Singh....a brave effort all round by the team - albeit on pens....Mel - you are a hero!!

Great atmosphere at the game and my head is still reeling from that bloody drum!

My head's still reeling from the disgusting antics of your manager and some of your so-called fans. Mind you a Club is bigger than it's fans and any manager.I believe your Directors apologised to the Margate officials afterwards. Now who said some Essex people were not low-life oiks!! Sorry but you bring it onb yourselves. Goodnight and good luck against aldershot

Ooh, did the nasty blue men from acwoss the wiver scare little iddums ?

Well we should have finished the game at extra time but a repeat shock comeback was in order and after saturdays game I wanted the blues to win so badly i was almost caccing my pants when it went to penaltys, but Mel the hero saves the day,
BRING ON ALDERSHOT !!!!!

I was there justice was done in the end over the two games Blues were far the better side "have'nt got any finger nails left though" Well done lads bring on Aldershot

THOUGHT YOU WERE THE MORE ADVENTUROUS SIDE WHEN IT WAS IMPORTANT TO BE SO.SO YES OVERALL YOU DESERVED TO WIN.CREDIT TO OUR SIDE THOUGH FOR MAKING A GOOD GAME OF IT IN THE END.THOUGHT THE REFEREE HAD A CRACKING GAME.. 1ST CLASS.
Good luck to you in the next round though having witnessed ALDERSHOT you WILL get a thorough testing.They are more adventurous and consistent.

Justice, fairness, righteousness.

COME ON THE BLUES! I wasn't lucky enough to be there on the night but low and behold we won! The excitment will now return to the town of Grays! And against Aldershot we should get a good gate! So whatever happens this will be a good season for the Ath! Although the last time we played the Shots we drew 1-1 we wasn't a pro team, and we had 10 men! So with that in mind COME ON U BLUES! 2nd round here we come!

An excellent result, despite at times doing our best to lose.

If we are to progress we have got to defend better and stop giving the ball away - but who cares WE WON!

well done Grays, see you in the next round. Be gentle with us we are only a semi-pro outfit.

Agree with bluegordie. Need to learn how to hold a lead. Can't keep getting away with it.

I haven`t lived in Thurrock for more than 30 years, and haven`t been to the Rec since about 1968!!!!!! (Does ANYBODY remember Ron Brown???) However, I always follow the results and have just discovered the website, which is excellent. Really pleased about the cup run - I wanted Grays to draw Swansea, as that`s my nearest league team - maybe in the 2nd round!! You (I should say WE) will slaughter Aldershot, and this will almost make up for West Ham`s current predicament.
Phil

Where was everyone monday night Grays gave Fisher a lesson.The boys fitness in the second half totally frustrated.

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