Matches

Good workout and easy win for Blues

A crowd of around 300 descended on the ‘under reconstruction’ Rec for the opening friendly of what promises to be an exciting season for Blues in the Nationwide Conference South.

Manager Mark Stimson had most of his squad available for their first run-out and with the departure of Mel Capleton, Tobi Oshitola, and Lloyd Opara, some new faces were on show, and old favourite John Nutter was back in the fold.

Last season’s top-scorer Freddie Eastwood had a quiet first-half and it was left to midfielder Stuart Thurgood to open the scoring on 20 minutes. A mistake in the O’s defence saw Ellis Remy picking-up the loose ball, and laying it off to Thurgood who slotted into an empty net.

Grays made wholesale changes throughout the second period, including the introduction of Wayne Vaughan, and continued to be the dominant force.
Leroy Griffiths long run and shot on 57 minutes drew a good save out of O’s keeper Paul Jones, but the forward was not to be denied three minutes later, first flicking the ball over the advancing keeper, then back-heading it into the net.

Blues thoroughly deserved the 2-0 victory and enjoyed a good run-out. An injury to Danny Hayzelden will cause some concern, but on a more positive note, young goalkeeper Simon Overland made an expressive debut and will have been happy to keep a clean sheet on his first start for the Blues.

Teams:

Grays Ath:
From: Overland, Brown, Bruce, Robinson, Lunan, Youds, Thurgood, Carthy (Capt), Eastwood, Hayzelden, Griffiths, Barrett, Bradshaw, Remy, Olayinka, Haule, Nutter, Vaughan, Marwa, Cole, Wild

Leyton Orient:
From: Morris, Barnard, Lockwood, Simpson, Mackie, White, Carlisle, Hunt, Alexander, Steele, Scott, Harrison, Jones (B), Miller, Purser, Ioehre, Peters, Newey, Zakuani, Saah, Jones (P)

Your comments

Good start from the Blues we played some good passing football and deserved to win, new keeper looked to be competent handled very well keep up the good work Blues

Yawn

Very encouraging first performance. Hope they won't be too tired for Saturday. Seemed a bit strange to play two games against league oppo inside 48 hours, but i'm sure Stimmo knows what he's doing. Thought the crowd was more like 400 than 300.

I am a Leyton Orient fan who was at the game. I have to say you played very well and thouroughly deserved the win. Good luck for the coming season. You deserve to gain promotion. Come on you Grays!

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