Matches

STALEMATE A FAIR OUTCOME AT PARK LANE
by David Jarvis

Grays came through a stern test of character tonight against a Canvey side whose home record is unparalleled in the league this year. Ryman Premier top scorer Lee Boylan was on the score sheet yet again at the end of the first half. But his effort was cancelled out in the second by a battling Grays display and a fine equaliser from Wes Daly on 81 minutes.

Canvey looked sharp from the off, and Jeff Minton could have scored in the first few minutes if not for an excellent save by Mel Capleton. But Grays came back into the game and showed good pressure including efforts from Freddie Eastwood and Danny Hayzelden.

On 24 minutes, referee Mr Cairns was forced into a change of strip, donning a Canvey keeper’s jersey in order to distinguish himself from Blues’ dark away kit. Many Blues supporters believed this was affecting his judgement as a string of decisions went against Grays.

Nevertheless, a Canvey resurgence led to two chances for hot shot Lee Boylan on 31 and 38 minutes, both well saved by Capleton. But as the half came to its end, the Grays defence went to sleep, giving Jeff Minton time to find the deadly Boylan in space. He turned Steve Robinson on the edge of the box and slotted home.

Down but not out, Grays came out in the second half with something to prove. A number of half chances for Freddie Eastwood didn’t materialise into goal-scoring opportunities but Blues kept up the pressure. Then on 81 minutes, good work on the right from Lloyd Opara (on for Danny Hayzelden) led to Wes Daly picking up the ball just inside the box on the right. Daly’s instant shot found its way through the legs of one Canvey defender and gave Gulls ‘keeper Potter no chance.

The equaliser was Blues’ just desserts for some hard work in the second half which had prevented Canvey having a shot on target. Right at the death, a well-struck Wes Daly free kick was parried but couldn't be turned in by Lloyd Opara and Eastwood had another couple of half chances but lacked the composure to make them count.

After the game, captain Martin Carthy said, “I think it was a fair result. We did well in the second half and came out all guns blazing after Mel made three wonder saves. I think over the two games we have done ourselves proud and we don’t fear anyone at the moment.”

Teams

Canvey Island
Potter, Kennedy, Duffy, Chenery, Cowan, Ward, Protheroe, Minton, Gregory, Boylan, Midgley Subs, Dobinson, McDougald, Smith, Theobald, Harrison

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

Attendance: 732

Your comments

Good report David another fine result from Blues was not there myself "cannot stand the stink of the place" well done lads bring on purfleet

A well fought battle from the 2 best teams in the league. Someone should tell the canvey groundstaff to make directions for visiting supporters clearer as me and my mates (including chicken wing) ended up running all the way round the ground looking for the visiting entrance (don't laugh!). Overall, a good solid performance from the mighty Blues including some great saves from Mel, what a legend.

Well done Grays, a good enjoyable game and atmosphere. Well deserved point and good luck in getting that second spot - you're the only team I've seen that I think deserves it.

CANT STAND THE STINK OF THE PLACE HAHAHA FecKING KETTLE ALERT..!! AND WHY RUN AROUND THE GROUND U SPANNER EVERYONE GOES IN THE SAME ENTRANCE.. MAYBE SOME KIND OF IDIOTS GUIDE IS CALLED FOR..
as for the footy two good performances from grays this term should see you up with the front runners in conf south.. stimmo (despite being a judas scummer) is at his best bringing young players on.. good luck next season

Great to see Mel back in great form. A good result for the mighty blues and we should really push for that second place, cum on move out of da way HENDON coz were coming through!!!!!!!!!!!
WELL DONE GRAYS!!!!

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