Matches

MATCH REPORT VS STEVENAGE BOROUGH (GLS CUP 4TH ROUND) by Carol Smith-Allen

Grays got their first real taste of what is hopefully to come next season, when they played Conference National side Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way last night in the fourth round of the GLS Cup. It was a close hard fought but entertaining encounter, which was eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out with the hosts emerging victors.

Boro started the brighter of the two sides and had more possession during the first half, with Blues finding themselves on the back foot for lengthy periods.

Grays without all five ex-Hornchurch players, but with Heeroo, Olayinka, Hooper, Battersby and George in their line-up were under the cosh for the first ten minutes or so, and in particular centre-backs Bruce and Heeroo were struggling with the height and physique of the home side’s forwards but managed to contain them.

Errant shooting coupled with solid defending meant that both keepers were rarely tested during the first period, although on 21 minutes Boro keeper Shaun Marshall produced a good save from Griffiths’ low drive. The home side then applied considerable pressure, thereby forcing a succession of corners but were unable to capitalise on them.

Unlike the first half the second was an even affair, with Blues showing that they have the ability and resilience to compete with Conference opposition.

Within minutes of the restart Griffiths had two good chances; firstly heading wide, and then looking for support when a shot at goal would have been the better option. Although the game then went quiet, the terraces were anything but with some good humoured banter between the rival fans.

Around the hour mark, Grays made a double substitution bringing on Vill Powell and recent signing ex-QPR midfielder Wes Daly for Griffiths and ex-Boro midfielder Dean Brennan, and minutes later former Spurs defender Ron Harry blasted a shot high and wide. Striker Anthony Elding then had his best chance of the match but was denied by Carl Emberson in goal for the cup tied Ashley Bayes.

Just prior to Stevenage making a double substitution, introducing Tunisian striker Dino Maamria and ex-professional Michael Brough, a spat developed between Michael Warner and Mitchell Cole resulting in the Blues winger being cautioned.

As the end of normal time approached the home side had a great opportunity, but Emberson made an absolutely brilliant save from ex-Wycombe Wanderer’s Dannie Bulman’s point blank range effort, and the same player then saw another shot rebound off the inside of the post.

Moments later Vill Powell was in a similar position when he had two gilt-edged opportunities. However, Marshall saved his first attempt, and then the striker was through again but drove his shot against the upright.

With referee Mr. Tomlinson glancing at his watch, Grays suffered a blow. Gavin Heeroo, the last man, was dismissed for pulling Maamria down when the striker was through on goal.

So with it being all square at the end of 90 minutes it was into extra time. Jo Flack replaced Boro’s Darren Stamp, and Gary Hooper moved to the vacant right-back position for Blues.

With five minutes of extra time played Grays brought on Dennis Oli with ex-Boro striker Tony Battersby making way, and then three minutes later the unmarked Maamria got on the end of Jon Brady’s cross to head home giving Stevenage the lead. Brough then broke through but was booked for a bad tackle on Daly.

Despite being behind Grays came out for the final quarter of an hour looking determined and on the offensive, and almost immediately the agile Cole sent a shot over the bar. Then on 108 minutes Blues drew level; John Nutter curled a free kick, given for a foul on Oli, over the wall and Marshall could do nothing but watch it fly past.

At the other end Emberson produced a good save from Jason Goodliffe, but from then on in Blues were in control with the home side wobbling as Oli ran them ragged.

Cole nearly got a second for Blues, but Hocking made a brave and crucial tackle just as the midfielder was about to shoot, and then Oli had a great chance but his strike went just over the crossbar.

Right at the death Boro’s Jo Flack could have wrapped it up, but sent his shot just inches wide of the post.

With an outcome being required, penalties it was! Right from the off Blue’s body-language revealed a distinct lack of confidence, whereas the hosts looked more relaxed.

Daly took the first penalty for Grays but Marshall dived to his left to block. Maamria scored powerfully for 1-0. Cole then converted for Blues, and Goodliffe hammered home easily, whilst it was becoming apparent that spot kicks were not Carl Emberson’s forte. Olayinka then blasted over, and Brough hit a third unstoppable finish. The tension amongst the Blues supporters was growing rapidly as the pressure mounted on Grays, but it just wasn’t to be Blues night, as Marshall pulled off another good save to deny Powell.

Grays players and fans alike can take heart from the fact that they are still in the FA Trophy, and are within spitting distance of automatic promotion to the Conference National.

Teams:-
Stevenage Borough:- Marshall, Warner, Quinn, Goodliffe, Brady, Hocking, Bulman, Henry, Stamp, Gregory, Elding Subs:- Brough (used), Maamria (used), Flack (used), Hunter, Liversidge
Grays Athletic:- Emberson, Heeroo, Nutter, Olayinka, Bruce, George, Hooper, Brennan, Griffiths, Battersby, Cole Subs:- Daly (used), Barrett, Carthy, Powell (used), Oli (used)

Referee:- Mr. S. Tomlinson

Attendance:- 426

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