Matches

SUPER BLUES ARE GRECIAN LIGHTNING by Carol Smith-Allen

Grays yesterday secured their place in the Semi-Final of the FA Trophy by defeating Exeter City, who earlier this season held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, by four goals to one.

The 1800 plus who packed out the New Rec, including the 300 or so travelling Exeter fans witnessed what must be one of the best games of the season, as Blues gave an accomplished and classy performance to see off Alex Inglethorpe’s Conference National Side.

A bumper crowd packed the Rec for the Club's biggest home game in years. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

With so much at stake Grays understandably began a little nervously but soon settled, whereas Exeter took the initiative and pushed forward. Early chances for the visitors fell to Andy Taylor and Sean Devine but both were denied by ex-Grecian Ashley Bayes, and Les Afful and Alex Jeannin both saw their shots go wide.

John Martin in a midfield tussle. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Blues then began to gain their composure and take control with the formidable Dennis Oli causing the visitors numerous problems. The Man Of The Match was in fact twice hacked down, firstly by Gary Sawyer and later by Santos Gaia with both players being show yellow cards by Referee Mr. Shoebridge.

Dennis Oli was first to make an impact... Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

In the 23rd minute Blues opened the scoring, causing the home section of the ground to erupt in sheer delight. Tony Battersby got on the end of Mitchell Cole’s cross, flicking the ball onto the impressive Gary Hooper who hooked it past keeper Paul Jones.

The Grecians then pressed forward, but two minutes later Grays extended their lead. A great ball by Skipper Stuart Thurgood found Battersby, who again turned provider this time for Oli and at his second attempt the midfielder bundled the ball over the line.

Oli celebrating his first goal and Grays' second after 25 minutes. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Around the half an hour mark the opposition squandered a gilt-edged opportunity. With the goal beckoning ex-professional Devine somehow managed to send his twenty yard drive narrowly wide of the far post.

At the other end a brilliant piece of play by Bruce and Thurgood set-up Oli, but keeper Jones came off his line to smother the ball at the midfielder’s feet.

With eight minutes of the first period remaining the Grecian’s again came close to reducing the deficit, when Steve Flack’s twenty yard powerful strike hit the outside of the left-hand post.

As Ashley Bayes made his way to the Bradbourne Road end ready for the re-start the popular keeper was warmly greeted by the Exeter fans.

Grays dominated second half play and the more the match progressed the stronger they became. Having said that had Exeter been able to pull a goal back early on it could possibly have been a different story.

It was therefore no surprise when in the 55th minute Blues got a third goal. Good interplay by John Nutter and Martin set-up Oli who calmly slotted the ball around the dismayed Jones.

Grays were now totally in control and the visitors found themselves desperately defending to limit the damage and salvage some pride. With sixty-nine minutes on the clock the Grecians made their second substitution bringing on Jake Edwards at the expense of Flack, having earlier replaced the injured Marcus Martin with Gareth Sheldon.

Grays continued their attacking dominance in the second half. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Two minutes later Blues made their first substitution of the match bringing Vill Powell off the bench with Oli making way, and shortly afterwards replaced Battersby with Steve West.

Jones then made a good save from Cole’s close range effort, and within minutes Grays appeared to have increased their lead further but Powell’s point-blank range header had just skimmed over the crossbar.

Blues came close again when Hooper’s header from Cole’s cross hit into the side netting, and then in the 88th minute Exeter unexpectedly got a consolation goal. Sheldon’s fierce twenty-five yard shot flew past Bayes giving the keeper no chance.

Although the result was already beyond doubt in time added on for stoppages substitute West nodded the ball into the path of Hooper, who dispatched a low drive from just outside the area past Jones into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

As the final whistle was blown the Exeter players, taking their defeat in good spirit embraced the Grays players, whilst there were exuberant scenes of jubilation amongst the home fans!!

Grays players celebrate an emphatic and historic victory. Photo: tgsphoto.co.uk

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Bayes, Bruce, Nutter, Stuart, Matthews, Thurgood (c), Oli, Hooper, Battersby, Martin, Cole Subs:- West (used), Emberson, Powell (used), Olayinka, Brennan
Exeter City:- Jones, Hiley, Sawyer, Gaia, Taylor, Devine, Flack, Ampadu, Jeannin, Afful, Martin Subs:- Rice, Clay, Todd, Edwards (used), Sheldon (used)

Referee:- Mr. R. L. Shoebridge

Attendence:- 1822

Man Of The Match:- Dennis Oli

Headline provided by 'Bluegeordie'

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