Matches

MATCH REPORT VS MARGATE FC (HOME) BY Carol Smith-Allen

After today’s five nil thrashing of Margate FC, who lie perilously close to the relegation zone, Grays’ moment of glory appears to be imminent. A slip by Cambridge City at the hands of Welling United tomorrow, or a victory for Blues against potential Trophy opponents Bishop’s Stortford on Easter Monday will see them crowned Champions of the Conference South, and as such gain automatic promotion to the Conference National.

Leroy Griffiths, back in the side as a starter, scored Grays' first of five. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

In this entertaining but predictable encounter, Grays never needed to step out of first gear to demolish lowly Gate for the second time this season, having already inflicted a six nil defeat upon them at The Homelands last August.

The first half started at a very lively pace with both sides taking a little while to settle. Early chances for Blues fell to Leroy Griffiths and John Martin, but both blazed their shots over the crossbar and on thirteen minutes Gate had a golden opportunity but Bayes produced a brilliant save from Rocky Baptiste’s header.

Grays captain Stuart Thurgood gave another commanding performance in midfield. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

In the 17th minute Grays took the lead when Griffiths, outstanding throughout latched onto a long ball through the middle to prod home, and eight minutes later Blues doubled their advantage. Mitchell Cole’s throw eluded the visitor’s defence allowing Gary Hooper to hook the ball into the back of the net from eight yards. Margate keeper Peter Trego’s disgust at his back fours lax defending was clearly evident.

Around the half an hour mark Gate made their first substitution replacing the hobbling Greg Oates with Pat Gradley.

Grays fans celebrate another one-sided display. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

As the interval approached Blues then extended their lead further, and a come back from the visitors was looking unlikely. Tony Battersby got on the end of a Dean Brennan cross to send a glancing header past the despairing Margate keeper.

The second half started much the same as the first had finished with Grays dominating play, and when Gate did gain possession Blues had no difficultly in engulfing them.

Within minutes of the restart Gate had the opportunity to reduce the arrears when the towering Darren Watson blasted over the bar when well placed.

Then in the 48th minute Grays wrapped it up with a fourth goal. Keeper Trego once again found himself left exposed as Hooper headed the ball back across the goal face from Cole’s free kick leaving Martin, superb once more for Blues, the easy task of heading the ball home from point blank range.

John Martin nods in the fourth - and Grays' 99th league goal of the season. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Two minutes later things went from bad to worse for the visitors. A free kick was awarded by one of the referee’s assistants for an infringement on Hooper, but as the Gate players ground to a halt, Referee Mr. Barnes chose to play the advantage; Hooper found Griffiths who in turn passed to Cole, culminating in the talented winger sending a stunning twelve yard drive past Trego for Blues 100th league goal of the season.

Mitch Cole makes it five - and Grays' league goal tally pushes three figures. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Around the hour mark Gate made their second substitution bringing on ex-professional Aaron Barnett for Bill Edwards, and in the 62nd minute appeared to have pulled a goal back but Watson’s close range effort was ruled out for offside. Dean Brennan was then denied by Trego, and Baptiste’s bicycle kick went wide of the left-hand post.

Mitch Cole celebrates. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

On seventy-three minutes Gate Skipper, former Youth International Adrian Clarke blasted just over the bar, and Grays then made two substitutions in quick succession replacing Hooper with Steve West and then bringing on Joe Bruce for Griffiths.

As Griffiths left the pitch he was met with rapturous applause from the young Blues contingent, and the flamboyant striker responded in exuberant fashion.

With only minutes remaining Blues, who had sensibly eased their foot off the peddle almost made it six. With Martin and West ideally placed in front of goal, Cole out wide escaped his marker to cut inside, but his cross from an acute angle flew straight into the arms of Trego.

Another quiet afternoon for Ashley Bayes. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Once the final whistle had been blown the Grays players made their way across the pitch to show their appreciation to the mass of Blues supporters.

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Bayes, Brennan, Nutter, Stuart, Matthews, Thurgood (c), Griffiths, Hooper, Battersby, Martin, Cole Subs:- Oli, Emberson, West (used), McLean, Bruce (used)
Margate FC:- Trego, Oates, Charalambous, Edwards, Watson, Smith. Kiester, Beneviedes, Stadhart, Baptiste, Clarke (c) Subs:- Jjunju, Barnett (used), Gradley (used), Yudego, Hussein

Referee:- Mr. P. W. Barnes

Attendance:- 851

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