Matches

MAGPIES GIVEN WHAT FOUR! by Carol Smith-Allen

In a lively and entertaining encounter at the Rec yesterday Grays defeated lowly Maidenhead United 4-0. Blues gave a polished and classy team performance to secure another three points, moving within a point of league leaders Hornchurch FC with a game in hand.

As is the case of late, Blues whose line-up included recent signings Bayes, West, Matthews and Stuart making their home debuts, were always in control. The Magpies also had three new additions to their squad, defender Robert Paris, midfielder Ben Townsend and substitute David Keenan.

Although Blues created many early chances, neither Powell, West nor Cole (who was giving the Magpie’s right-back a torrid time), could make any of them count.

Then in the 25th minute, Blues broke the deadlock. West headed the ball back to England U23 International Stuart Thurgood, whose powerful 20 yard strike evaded keeper Andy Goldman.

Blues came close to increasing their lead three minutes later, but Powell’s shot hit the base of the post, and was eventually cleared out of the danger area. Grays continued to create openings but failed to capitalise on them, with both West and Powell shooting wide of the target.

Maidenhead began to get into the game a little during the latter stages of the first period, and on 38 minutes had their second shot of the half. Then just before the interval they made their first substitution replacing Ben Townsend with Andrew Higg.

The second half started with Blues again on the offensive, and with just five minutes on the clock they extended their lead; Dean Brennan’s inch perfect cross into the box was met at full speed by Powell, who drove a fantastic shot into the back of the net. Four minutes later West was brought down in the penalty area, and Thurgood duly despatched the resultant spot kick past Goldman for Blues third. At this point, although Blues retained the majority of the possession the intensity of pressure on the Magpies goal slackened off.

Around the hour mark, Craig O’Connor burst into the box with only Bayes to beat, but hesitated allowing Stuart and Matthews to get back and show their experience by covering and eventually winning the ball.

In the 64th minute Manager Mark Stimson made a double substitution replacing Vill Powell and Gary Hooper with Tony Battersby and Dennis Oli, and then ten minutes later Maidenhead could have reduced the deficit but were denied by Bayes, who made a brilliant save from Craig O’Connor’s close range shot.

Shortly afterwards Blues made their third substitution of the match bringing on Martin Carthy for Dean Brennan, and Maidenhead replaced Kevin McIntosh with Phil Gray.

Although Dennis Oli had take a little while to settle into the game he made a surging run down the right five minutes from time, but saw his powerful low strike hit the woodwork. However, three minutes later he made another excellent run and squared the ball for fellow substitute Battersby, who shot home to score his third in as many games and Blues fourth and final goal of the match.

Teams:-
Grays Ath:- Bayes, Bruce, Nutter, Stuart, Matthews, Thurgood (c), Brennan, Hooper, Powell, West, Cole Subs:- Carthy (on for Brennan 79 mins), Emberson, Battersby (on for Powell 64 mins), Robinson, Oli (on for Hooper 64 mins)
Maidenhead United:- Goldman, Elsegood, Connor, McIntosh, Paris, Townsend, Matthews, Saunders, O'Connor, Elford, Cook Subs:- Patterson, Higg (on for Townsend 41 mins), Keenan, Gray(on for McIntosh 82 mins), Hart

Referee:- Mr. D. Margetts

Attendance:- 438

Your comments

great result lads, glad to see we are scoring goals. whos needs freddy??
i work in kfc!!

good result lads, good to see we are scroing coals. who needs freddy?? conference here we come
kev james 4 sarah buck x x

Another great result for Blues our defence looked more secure with the new boys we have bought in, well done Blues Conference hear we come

WATCHED SOUTHEND AT ROOTS HALL FRIDAY NIGHT VERY POOR.
ON GRAYS SHOWING ON SATURDAY COULD BEAT THEM EASILY.
STUART THURGOOD STAR IN MAKING !!!!

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