Matches

PARTY TIME AT THE NEW REC By Carol Smith-Allen

With Grays having already secured the title of Conference South Champions on Saturday courtesy of on loan Blues midfielder Martin Carthy’s 82nd minute winning goal for Welling United against second placed Cambridge City, today’s match against Bishop’s Stortford seemed to be a little bit of an anti-climax, and this was reflected in an uneventful and slightly lacklustre first half. However, Blues first goal on sixty-five minutes was the catalyst for a sudden increase in momentum and vigour, and the game then began to mirror the celebrations that were to follow.

Although Grays, whose starting line-up included the returning Carthy, Ade Olayinka and Wes Daly edged the first half creating many more chances than their opponents the majority of the play took place in the middle of the park.

Early chances for Grays fell to Carthy and Steve West but both players sent their efforts wide of the post, and on twenty-three minutes Aaron McLean saw his hooked shot fly straight into the arms of Stortford keeper Andrew Young.

Shortly afterwards Leroy Griffiths connected with Dennis Oli’s high cross but due to the acute angle the striker’s shot hit the side netting.

The visitor’s first opportunity came just after the half an hour mark when Tim Langer’s close range effort went narrowly wide, and six minutes later they had another chance but ex-Blues midfielder Dave Rainford headed over the bar from Alex Martin’s corner kick.

The only other noteworthy occurrence during the relatively quiet period was the booking of Stortford’s Ben Lewis for a bad challenge on McLean, and the defender was then fortunate to escape a second caution minutes later when he committed another foul this time on Griffiths.

So at half time after a disappointing first half it was all square, but as has often been the case with Grays this season they saved their best for the second period, displaying more rhythm and continuity and completing dominating play. With the exception of one early and one very late chance for ex-Conference striker Paul Hakim the visitor’s really didn’t get a look in.

In the 57th minute Blues had their first chance of the half when Oli made an excellent weaving run down the right flank, but was let down by his final touch sending his shot just over the crossbar.

Grays then made a double substitution replacing Daly with Gary Hooper and bringing on Vill Powell for Oli, and four minutes later the party atmosphere began when Blues opened the scoring. Following a goalmouth scramble West’s cheeky back heel found the back of the net.

The game then really sprang into life, and three minutes later Grays had got a second. McLean’s cross from out wide found substitute Powell unmarked at the near post leaving the striker the simple task of poking the ball home, and the Blues fans already in high spirits were then urged on by the animated Ashley Bayes down on the touchline.

In the 73rd minute Grays made their final substitution bringing on Steve Robinson for Griffiths, and then Stortford replaced Lewis with Darren Williams.

In the meantime John Nutter’s thirty yard free kick had flown straight into the keeper’s arms, and then on eighty-two minutes Blues put the result beyond doubt. West got on the end of Dean Brennan’s corner kick to send a trade mark header past Young who had no chance.

Stortford, who only ever looked like snatching a goal then made a second substitution replacing Martin with Lekeladio Thanda.

At this point the ecstatic ‘mental’ Ashley Bayes proceeded to run up and down the touchline parading an imitation League Cup much to the delight of the Blues supporters sitting in the stand.

With four minutes left on the clock Grays might have had a fourth goal when a Brennan corner was only partially cleared, but McLean blasted over the bar from close range. Then right at the death Stortford had a great opportunity to reduce the deficit, but Hakim with only Carl Emberson to beat screwed his shot wide of the upright.

After the match the Grays Athletic clubhouse was the scene of complete and utter jubilation and excitement as fans, players and officials celebrated the Clubs greatest achievement to date. Even Manager Mark Stimson, teetotal for four years was seen with a lager in his hand!!

Surely there cannot possibly be a better confidence booster in preparation for the FA Trophy Semi-Finals against Nigel Clough’s Conference outfit Burton Albion.

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Brennan, Nutter, Olayinka, Bruce, Daly, Oli, Carthy (c), McLean, West, Griffiths Subs:- Hooper (used), Bayes, Cole, Robinson (used), Powell (used)
Bishop's Stortford:- Young, Smith, Gwillim, Rainford (c), Lewis, Riches, Langer, Cracknell, Jackman, Hakim, Martin Subs:- Morison, Williams (used), Thanda (used), Forbes, Horne

Referee:- Mr. A. Cathedral

Attendance:- 1058

Forthcoming fixtures