Grays Athletic 1 Maidenhead United 1 (Home)
Tue, April 6, 2004. Kick off: 7:45 PM
MAGPIES NICK A POINT AT THE REC
by Alan Fulbrook and Paul Smith-Allen
After Saturday’s home draw with local rivals Hornchurch, Grays dropped another two points against mid-table Maidenhead and were unable to reproduce the form that saw them achieve a splendid 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in February. With Leroy Griffiths still serving a suspension, Blues again started with Lloyd Opara up front alongside Freddie Eastwood.
The Magpies started well and took an early lead when Ryan Ashe’s shot was deflected past the flailing arms of Mel Capleton on 6 minutes. Having seized the initiative, the visitors continued to press and were the better side throughout the first half. Blues best efforts came from a series of headers from Lloyd Opara who should have done better when missing the target on 26 minutes, and a Stuart Thurgood drive that was well saved by Magpies keeper Phil Wilson.
Manager Mark Stimson made two substitutions at half time, bringing on Wes Daly and Ellis Remy to replace Danny Hayzelden and Lloyd Opara, and Blues began the half with more endeavour. Ellis Remy’s keenness earning him a yellow card on 50 minutes.
 The equaliser came just before the hour mark. Daniel Lunan’s twenty-five yard free-kick was headed down by ‘Big’ Eddie Younds, and arch-poacher Eastwood slammed the ball into the roof of the net.
Chances came and went for both sides with Grays mainly in the ascendancy, balancing-out the Magpies control of the first half. Both teams had opportunities to steal the points in the last ten minutes, with Mel Capleton saving well from substitute Ben Hammond, and Freddie Eastwood shooting just wide at the other end two minutes from time.
On reflection a draw was a fair result, and the thoughts of Blues fans will now turn to Easter Monday’s clash with neighbours Thurrock, and the casting of their votes for the Player of the Year award.
Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Capleton, Bruce, Robinson, Lunan, Youds, Thurgood, Bradshaw, Carthy (Capt), Eastwood, Hayzelden, Opara Subs:- Remy, Barrett, Wild, Daly, Olayinka
Maidenhead United:- Wilson, Smith, Scully, Ashe, Jennings, Gallen (Capt), Dean, Saunders, Harris, Yaku, Haworth, Subs:- Boyce, Elford, Dreyer, Hammond
Referee:- Mr. N. Kinsley
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