Matches

MATCH REPORT VS WEYMOUTH FC (HOME) by Carol Smith-Allen

A Grays side missing some of their first team regulars, and with promotion already secured probably lacking a bit of incentive and motivation still defeated Garry Hill’s Weymouth with relative ease. Blues no longer needing to go for the kill in this middle of the road encounter, made it look like a knock around in the park against a slightly physical Weymouth side that spent the majority of the match on the back foot looking for a quick break.

The visitors did create an early chance when winger Darren Wheeler got on the end of Steve Clarke’s cross but sent his shot just wide of the left-hand post. Blues then came close when Steve West connected with Dean Brennan’s twenty-five yard diagonal free kick but the experienced striker was denied by Weymouth keeper Jason Matthews. However, with the next kick of the match Grays had taken the lead; recent signing Jude Stirling's cross was met by Martin Carthy at the back post, and with Matthews well and truly off his line the midfielder headed the ball into the unguarded net.

The young Grays contingent again showing no mercy were singing ‘Garry Hill is bleeding you dry’ at the top of their voices from the newly erected Bradbourne Road stand. It also didn’t go unnoticed that a Hucknall representative was present at the match.

Play continued to be lively and Blues continued to dominate. On twenty minutes Brennan’s eighteen yard shot was tipped over the bar by the Weymouth keeper and moments later West, having been elbowed in the face was receiving treatment from Grays physiotherapist Joe O’Reilly.

Shortly afterwards Manager Mark Stimson had no choice but to replace West who had sustained a nasty gash to his forehead, and at the same time he brought on Dennis Oli for the injured Leroy Griffiths who had been on the end of some overly robust challenges.

The visitors then looked for an equaliser, but although having their best patch of the game they were let down by their final touch. From Wheeler’s corner kick Brian Dutton’s close range header was directed straight at Carl Emberson, and then strapping defender Matt Bound was denied by the Grays keeper who saved well from his twenty yard free kick. Shaun Wilkinson was also thwarted by Stirling.

Second half play again ebbed and flowed, but Blues had the majority of the possession and created considerably more chances. Had it not been for some resolute defending by the Weymouth skipper Bound the margin of victory may have been wider.

On fifty-four minutes McLean’s close range shot went narrowly wide of the right-hand post, and then good interplay by Martin and Carthy set up Oli, but the substitute’s strike was cleared by the Weymouth defence. Grays then forced a succession of corners before Battersby’s header from a long Stirling throw was saved by Matthews.

It was then the turn of the visitors with Wilkinson picking out Dutton at the back post but the midfielder’s header was easily caught by Emberson. The Grays No. 2 keeper then made an incisive save from Clarke’s long shot punching the ball out of the danger area.

Just after the hour mark a great weaving run by Brennan set up McLean, but Matthews had the forward’s low shot covered, and two minutes later Weymouth had their best chance of the half when Bradley Thomas got on the end of Wilkinson’s curling cross at the far post but directed his header over the crossbar.

In the 77th minute Blues made victory virtually certain when a lovely ball from McLean found Battersby lurking at the near post leaving the in form striker the straightforward task of poking the ball into the back of the net. Two minutes later and Blues came close to getting a third. This time Battersby turned provider heading the ball into the path of Martin, but the midfielder’s close range shot went narrowly wide.

Chances then fell to McLean and Martin but both players failed to hit the target, and then a subsequent effort by Martin was blocked by the rock solid Bound.

As the final whistle approached the visitors mounted a brief surge, but it was all too little too late.

After the match Mark Stimson said ‘I expected a tough challenge today from Weymouth but was pleased with my players’ response. My aim for the rest of the league season is to keep the teams thoughts on picking up more points so that we can enjoy our day out at Villa Park.’

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Stirling, Olayinka, Robinson, Brennan, McLean, Carthy (c), West, Martin, Griffiths Subs:- Battersby (used), Bayes, Cole, Oli (used), Nutter
Weymouth FC:- Matthews, Waterman, Browne, Bound (c), Thomas, Dutton, Clarke, Hutchinson, Jackson, Wilkinson, Wheeler Subs:- Eribenne (used), Welch, McDonald, Wilde, Ramos

Referee:- Mr. A. S. Parker

Attendance:- 763

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