Matches

GRAYS PUT TOGETHER A ROYAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE by Carol Smith-Allen

A 4-1 victory over Ryman Premier Side Windsor & Eton in the 2nd Round of the FA Trophy, not only means that Grays are in the draw for the next round on Monday, but also saw them record their tenth win in succession.

Based on Blues recent form this was never going to be an easy game for the Royalists, but throughout the first 45 minutes they matched Blues every inch of the way. However, the second half proved to be a very different story.

The first half began at a lively pace and with only three minutes on the clock Grays opened the scoring. Mitchell Cole got on the end of Leroy Griffiths’ cross at the far post but his shot was parried by Moroccan keeper Chuck Martini. However, Dean Brennan was on hand to stab the lose ball home.

Three minutes later the Royalists drew level, when their top scorer Peter Holsgrove met David Carroll’s 35 yard free-kick just inside the box, and slotted past Ashley Bayes.

The remainder of the first period was evenly poised with both sides having chances to take the lead. On 22 minutes Morgamo Gomis got on the end of a Lewis Cook cross, but drove his powerful shot narrowly wide rattling the advertising boards in the process, and ex-Wycombe Wanderers player Cook’s pace was undoubtedly causing Joe Bruce a few problems.

Blues came close in the latter stages of the half, when Stuart Thurgood’s shot from out on the right flank went wide, and then Gary Hooper had two chances from a Griffiths’ corner; the first was saved by Martini and the second went flying over.

The second half was a totally different ‘kettle of fish’, with Grays looking sharper and showing that when they need to step up a gear or two, they have the ability and fitness to do so. As a result, the visitors never really stood a chance.

From the moment the referee blew his whistle, Windsor’s goal was under siege, and the Royalists found themselves struggling to get out of their own half. Blues pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Cole got past Dave Tilbury (the 18 year old midfielder was giving the Windsor skipper a tricky time), and swung in a cross to the far post where Hooper headed the ball down and into the right-hand bottom corner of the net – Superb Goal!!

Three minutes later Cole turned provider again, but somehow both Steve West and Griffiths missed the opportunity to score. Brennan managed to get the ball back across, but Griffiths’ header was saved by Martini.

Windsor had the occasional break and could have equalised when Paul Holsgrove’s effort came off Jamie Stuart, but unwavering defending saw Stuart block his second attempt as well.

On 68 minutes Windsor made their first substitution replacing Gomis with Jamie Cox.

Almost immediately Lee Matthews saw his close range shot saved by Martini, and then in the 77th minute Blues extended their lead. Griffiths made a great run through the Windsor defence and passed the ball to Brennan from the edge of the box, who smashed it into the net for Grays’ third and his second of the game.

Manager Mark Stimson then made a double substitution bringing on Vill Powell and Dennis Oli for Hooper and Cole. At the same time Windsor replaced the injured Lewis Cook with Brahim Eloumani.

By now the Royalists were looking very tired, and eight minutes before the final whistle Blues put the result beyond doubt, when Oli’s cross was headed into the roof of the net at the far post by West.

Chances then fell to John Nutter who shot over the bar, and Powell whose effort was saved by the busy Martini.

Blues now await Monday’s draw to find out who they are to play and where on 15th January, 2005.

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Bayes, Bruce, Nutter, Stuart, Matthews, Thurgood (c-), Brennan, Hooper, West, Griffiths, Cole Subs:- Robinson, Emberson, Battersby(used), Oli(used), Powell(used)
Windsor & Eton:- Martini, Tilbury(c), Parsons, Paul Cook, Paul Holsgrove, Gomis, Kersey, Lewis Cook, Peter Holsgrove, Ekwalla, Carroll Subs:- James, Mansueton, Walsh, Eloumani(used), Cox(used)

Referee:- Mr. P. Forrester

Attendance:- 398

Headline provided by Chris Jordan

Your comments

It was another good game for Grays Athletic I'm pleased with the result. I found that Hooper's goal was the best goal of the game. If we keep on winning
games in the league I think we will be the league champions keep it up blues.

Well since losing my leg in an accident at work and not being able to wear a prosphetic leg my ability to be able to watch fooball played at a high standard ie premiership and championship has been severley limited due to crowd size and accessibility which saddened me ....but wait a visit to the rec. with my 2 sons a month ago has lifted my sombre mood . Fantastic !!! excellent !!! a class apart just a few of my expletives over the last few weeks.
I have always followed the team and used to watch occasionally over a 20 year period but now occasionally has become regularly.
The football is in my opinion at times breath taking ,i wish it was us playing Oldham in the first round of the cup and not the other side in our area who play in the same league i am sure we would now be in the second round of the cup with a healthy revenue , well never mind third round and beyond next year!!!.
my enthusiasm and loyalty toward the Blues is feverish thanks for lifting me from my own Blues and giving me something to look forward to at the weekend and midweek.
Please pass on my thanks to the players and management and the financial backers of the team for making my saturday afternoons once again enjoyable from an avid newblue
Keep it going
Best Regards Nigel Eve from Stiiford Clays

Well done again Blues we stepped up a gear in the second half to kill off windsor and showed our difference in class surely this squad of players must win the conference south title keep up the good work Blues.

We went expecting to be stuffed and so for 60 odd mins we were amazed we were so close to you. Good luck in the league. Shame we couldn't go behind both goals but when the work is done that'll be a fantastic ground.

Our lads did us proud today but your money showed in the end!

Windsor given the "Royal" treatment by Blues. Say no more!

Very entertaining game. As a Windsor supporter obviously disappointed with the result but thought we matched you 45 to 60 minutes. Never really expected to win but was please with our display. I think you fitness and prefessionalism showed out in the end.
Ground looks a lot better than when i came last, plus i didn't get my car stolen this time, always a bonus!!!
I thonk the ref also deserves a mention, had a great game and could have flashed cards all over the park and ruined a good game, both teams could lost players to a less competent ref.
Good luck for the league, trophy and cup, but idoubt you'll need too much luck in the league.
Have a good season

What a result, that new kid dennis Oli looking quite good.

That Oli Should start more games
We are going up

Grays Fc

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