Matches

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

This Tuesday evening game against mid-table Hayes FC was never likely to come close in any aspect to equalling the prestigious FA Trophy Semi-Final match at Eton Park on Saturday, which will undoubtedly be remembered for the truly euphoric atmosphere more than anything else.

It soon became apparent that the opposition would be more than happy to leave the New Rec, fast becoming a bit of a fortress with a point, and they can indeed consider themselves fortunate to have done just that. Poor finishing by Blues throughout, and a momentary defensive lapse allowed Hayes to snatch a very late equalizer in this mediocre encounter.

Grays dominated play from start to finish with Hayes getting every man bar one behind the ball, and then occasionally sending a long punt up field in the hope that it might reach lone striker Kieran Knight.

Blues could have opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute when Aaron McLean’s miscued shot found Gary Hooper in the penalty area, but when faced with an open goal the midfielder somehow managed to screw his shot wide.

Further chances for Grays came thick and fast with both McLean and Stuart Thurgood sending their shots wide, and Martin Carthy heading and firing over the crossbar.

On twenty-two minutes Hayes were forced into making their first substitution when the hobbling Marvin Bartley was replaced by his brother Mark, who took the right-back position with Stuart Goodall switching to the left.

Not the best of starts for the teenage substitute as within minutes of entering the pitch Leroy Griffiths, having a superb game for Blues left the defender for dead and crossed to the near post enabling the experienced Steve West to head home. Shortly afterwards Bartley was cautioned for a bad challenge on the lively Griffiths, and from the resulting free kick McLean headed wide.

Grays then came very close to getting a second goal on thirty-seven minutes, but Griffiths’ fierce close range effort went narrowly wide, and four minutes later they had another chance, this time for ‘Championship Hero’ Carthy but his volley flew over the bar.

During the interval both Mark Stimson and Dennis Oli received their awards for Manager of the Month and Player of the Month respectfully.

Play continued to be one way traffic with the visitors’ goal under constant siege although they did mount the odd attack, and if Blues wasted a fair few chances in the first period they squandered an absolute cart load in the second.

Both teams made changes at the start of the second half, Mitchell Cole replacing Thurgood, and Hayes bringing on Josh Scott for Jon Case. Substitute Scott was involved in the opposition’s first chance of the match, when with only four minutes of the second period gone he broke down the left and crossed the ball for Knight, but the forward send his shot just wide of the upright.

Before Grays had made an impact on the pitch the home supporters were showing substitute keeper Ashley Bayes some adulation with one of their many ditties.

Chances then fell to West, Carthy and Hooper but none of them were able to capitalize, and at the other end Knight was denied by Carl Emberson. Blues continued to attack using both flanks to their full advantage and a second goal look to be imminent, but as a result of wayward shooting failed to materialize.

In the 68th minute Grays made their second substitution bringing on Dean Brennan with Hooper making way. Carthy then had two efforts blocked, and West was thwarted by Hayes keeper Kevin Davies.

It was becoming increasingly obvious that no matter how many attempts Blues had they were not going to score and further evidence of this was, when Carthy had a golden opportunity from a Griffiths’ throw but shot wide when it looked easier to have put the ball in the back of the net. The midfielder was then yellow carded for a foul on Peter Collins, and Blues Steve Robinson received an unwarranted caution for an innocuous challenge.

On eight-one minutes Emberson was again called into action, for only the second time during the match blocking Ellis’ long range effort.

With three minutes of normal time remaining Grays made their final change replacing McLean, who appeared to have a touch of cramp with Dennis Oli, and then with three players well placed in the box recent signing Jude Stirling’s long throw managed to elude all of them!

For some inexplicable reason seven minutes of stoppage time (yes seven!!) were played, and Blues were to rue those numerous missed chances. With what was virtually the final kick of the match, the Grays defence seemed to be asleep or maybe star gazing as Knight got on the end of Goodall’s free kick from within his own half to fire home. It goes without saying that the away fans were delighted, but for the Gray’s fans and players alike it was a night of total frustration.

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Bruce, Nutter, Stirling, Robinson, Thurgood (c), Hooper, Carthy, West, Griffiths, McLean Subs:- Martin, Bayes, Cole (used), Brennan (used), Oli (used)
Hayes:- Davies, Goodall, Marvin Bartley, Yeboah, Collins, Ellis, Case, Molesley (c), McKenna, Knight, Tanfield Subs:- Scott (used), Dyer (used), Mark Bartley (used), Watkins

Referee:- Mr. D. Bushell

Attendance:- 402

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