Matches

BLUES SECURE DERBY DOUBLE by Carol Smith-Allen

Grays recorded their second win against near neighbours Thurrock in front of a bumper New Years Day crowd, in what proved to be more typical of a local derby, lacking some of the quality and excitement of the Boxing Day encounter. Thurrock may also feel a little aggrieved not to have taken at least a point from the match.

Grays centre back Jamie Stuart tangles with Thurrock's Cliff Akurang. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Blues started the brighter of the two sides and dominated play for the majority of the first half, with the opposition relying on the odd break.

Stuart Thurgood and John Martin competing in midfield. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

In the 16th minute Grays came close to breaking the deadlock when Dennis Oli was brought down on the edge of the box, and Dean Brennan curled the resulting free-kick around the wall, only for Thurrock keeper Billy McMahon to tip the ball over the bar at full-stretch.

Five minutes later Blues were in front. Leroy Griffiths broke into the area, pulled the ball back for Oli, who fired home with a low 20-yard drive.

Almost immediately, Brennan saw his 25-yard shot parried by McMahon, and subsequently cleared out of the danger area by Thurrock skipper McFarlane, and then Steve West playing his first match at centre-back for Blues shot narrowly wide of the far post.

As half-time approached Thurrock pushed forward looking for the equalizer, with David Lee and Cliff Akurang both shooting over and another effort by Lee saved by Carl Emberson replacing the suspended Ashley Bayes.

Virtually on the stroke of half-time Blues squandered a great opportunity to extend their lead, when Brennan with only McMahon to beat placed his shot too close to the keeper allowing a crucial save to be made.

Dean Brennan forcing a great save from Thurrock keeper Billy McMahon. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

The second half was considerably livelier and more physical than the first period with West for Blues and Akurang and Heffer for Thurrock all receiving cautions.

Lee Hodges struggles to get past John Martin. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

In the 57th minute the visitors drew level when Glen Poole drove home his 20 yard free-kick awarded after West fouled Akurang.

The opposition, boosted by the equalizer began to take control and Blues temporarily lost their composure and formation. With just over twenty minutes of the second period gone, Grays made their first substitution replacing Tony Battersby with Vill Powell.

Shortly afterwards Thurrock's Steve Heffer was yellow-carded for a bad challenge on Oli, who appeared to be a marked man, having been so influential in the match at Ship Lane.

Blues then made a second substitution with Gary Hooper replacing Oli, who had been taking a bit of a battering from various Thurrock players.

With just over ten minutes remaining Grays began to get back into the match, and with both teams looking for the winner play became a bit tense.

First Thurrock came very close when Glenn Poole's 40 yard shot ricocheted off the cross bar up into the air, David Lee following up was unable to get any power into his header and it bounced tamely into Emberson's arms.

Then with only a minute of normal time remaining John Nutter's long through ball into the box found substitute Hooper who brought it under control, then turned and rifled it home. The Thurrock players were incensed as they felt an offside decision should have been given, and although they made their views known to the linesman and referee Mr. Hopkins they would not be swayed.

Gary Hooper celebrates his last minute winner. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Bruce, Nutter, Stuart, West, Thurgood (c), Brennan, Oli, Griffiths, Battersby, Martin Subs:- Hooper (for Oli 76 mins), Barrett, Powell (for Battersby 67 mins), George, Heeroo
Thurrock Fc:- McMahon, Collis, Goodfellow, Goddard, McFarlane (c), Hodges, Heffer, Lee, Poole, Kirby, Akurang Subs:- Lee, Manuel, Fletcher, Purdie, Sealey

Referee:- Mr. J. Hopkins

Attendance:- 1256

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