Grays Athletic 3 Barnet 0 (GLS Cup 3rd Round)
Tue, January 18, 2005. Kick off: 7:45 PM
MATCH REPORT FOR GRAYS ATHLETIC VS BARNET (LEAGUE CUP) by Carol Smith-Allen
Grays eased their way into the Fourth Round of the GLS League Cup last night by defeating Conference Premier Leaders Barnet FC by three goals to nil. Blues without ex-Urchins West, Matthews, Martin and Bayes, who are all cup tied and Stuart who is currently injured showed just what a quality squad they have with Hooper, Battersby, Heeroo, Olayinka and George all making the starting line-up. Grays made it look like a stroll in the park, although to be fair it must be mentioned that The Bees had only two of their first XI on display, obviously having bigger fish to fry!
An entertaining first half saw both teams playing attractive passing football, but the inexperience of the visitor’s young side showed when through on goal. Blues opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock when 17 year old Gary Hooper, having been set-up by Liam George controlled the ball, and then powered his 20 yard strike into the roof of the net leaving Bee’s keeper Shane Gore absolutely no chance.
Grays’ early pressure then paid dividends again on 12 minutes. Mitchell Cole collected the ball on the edge of the box, after good play by Leroy Griffiths, chipped it in to Battersby who headed home from 6 yards.
The opposition then tried to get forward, and on 28 minutes a chance fell to skipper Guy Lopez but his 20 yard effort was straight at Carl Emberson, in goal for the cup tied Bayes.
Five minutes later Blues came close to getting a third. George, who was playing well following a prolonged absence due to injury, was denied by Gore who made an excellent save, pushing the ball out of play for a corner.
Battersby then shot wide, whilst at the other end Cracknell’s effort was parried by Emberson, and although striker Bradley Garness collected the loose ball he sent his shot narrowly wide of the upright.
The second half started with Blues well and truly in control, despite the ball swirling around a little due to the blustery conditions. Before play got underway the visitors made their first substitution bringing on keeper Ricky Millard at the expense of Gore.
With only two minutes gone Hooper, showing why he is such an exciting prospect, made a superb run but was unlucky with his shot which skimmed just over the crossbar, and at the other end Warren McBean and Lopez sent their shots wide of the post.
Moments later Griffiths appeared to have netted a third for Blues, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside long before the striker made contact with the ball.
On 56 minutes the home side made their first substitution replacing long-serving Steve Robinson with Joe Bruce, and shortly afterwards brought on Martin Carthy with Griffiths making way.
Blues continued to dominate with Heeroo shooting wide, and both Griffiths and Carthy sending their strikes over the bar, whilst Bees were relying on hit and hope tactics.
Then in the 78th minute Blues put the game beyond reach; Hooper made another excellent run setting up Battersby, who could have chosen to shoot but unselfishly squared the ball to Cole, who was having a great game, leaving the winger the easy task of slotting home.
Five minutes before the final whistle Blues almost got a fourth. George’s 25 yard free kick was met by Battersby, but the target man’s header hit the woodwork and although Stuart Thurgood was on hand to pick up the rebound he blazed over the bar.
Grays will now play the winners of the Gravesend & Northfleet vs Stevenage Borough tie in the Fourth Round. Date yet to be confirmed.
Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Heeroo, Nutter, Robinson, Olayinka, Thurgood (c), George, Hooper, Battersby, Griffiths, Cole Subs:- Carthy, Barrett, Oli, Powell, Bruce
Barnet:- Gore, Champion, Samuels, Hodge, Cracknell, Lyneham, Nwachukwu, Elmers, Lopez (c), Garness, McBean Subs:- Millard, Devera, Barton
Referee:- Mr D J Cann
Attendance:- 453
Leroy Griffiths gets to grips with a Barnet defender... Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk
...before being denied by the Barnet 'keeper. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk
Tony Battersby - who scored Grays' second goal - on the attack. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk
Grays captain Stuart Thurgood gets stuck in. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk
Thurgood, Battersby and Griffiths in a midfield tangle. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk
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