Matches

MATCH REPORT VS SOUTHEND UNITED (FRIENDLY) by Carol Smith-Allen

It was the match that most fans had been waiting for, hence the 1300 plus crowd at The New Rec yesterday, and they were not to be disappointed as Grays and Southend produced an entertaining and action packed six goal thriller which went right to the wire.

Had it not been for a very late goal from ex-Chelsea midfielder Daniel Woodards on trial at Southend, Grays would have secured the victory which they so thoroughly deserved. However, victory or not nothing can detract from the excellent performance given by Blues.

Grays started the stronger of the two sides, and within minutes recent acquisition Glenn Poole was denied by Southend keeper Darryl Flahavan. Shortly afterwards the midfielder had another stab at goal, but this time blasted his shot over the crossbar.

In the 10th minute, Bayes in goal for Blues was called into action when Kevin Mayer struck a fierce twenty yard shot. The Grays keeper then despatched a huge goal kick, which bounced over the heads of the static Southend defence enabling ex-Spurs and Aldershot striker Jamie Slabber to fire home from an acute angle.

Grays continued to dominate, and a precise cross from Poole was met by the head of Oli but the pacey striker was denied by Flahavan who made a good save. Minutes later, there was a chance for ex-Shrimper Michael Kightly having been set up by Slabber, but the winger blasted over the bar from close range.

Having absorbed the pressure from Grays, the visitors suddenly found themselves on level terms. Referee Mr. Monk awarded a controversial penalty to Southend which left most Blues fans mystified, and it is still unclear whether it was given for handball or for a slight push on Mark Bentley by Jamie Stuart. Wayne Gray stepped up to take the spot kick, and casually slotted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

To compound matters within a minute the Seasiders had taken the lead; From Mayer?s corner Spencer Prior rose high to firmly head the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

This second goal seemed to give Southend renewed vigour, and Stuart had little choice but to concede the corner from Lee Gutteridge?s fierce shot.

Undeterred Grays fought back with both Poole, Slabber and Kightly all being denied by Flahavan and Oli?s volley flying mere inches over the crossbar.

With five minutes of the half remaining Oli, who had been causing the Seasiders numerous problems, limped off following a challenge with Prior, and was replaced by Gary Hooper.

As the interval approached Southend almost extended their lead further; a screamer of a shot from Mark Bentley bounced back off the right-hand post before former Grays player Freddy Eastwood?s attempted chip was easily caught by Bayes.

Both sides made changes at the start of the second half; for Grays Eyre replaced Bayes in goal, and the Seasiders brought on Hunt, Pettifer and Cole with Jupp, Gower and Gutteridge making way.

With just three minutes of the second period gone Grays equalized. A Poole right wing free kick was only partially cleared allowing Hooper the opportunity to side foot the ball past the dismayed Flahavan.

Almost immediately Southend nearly restored their lead when a long clearance by Flahavan reached Gray, but the forward?s close range shot was impressively captured by the on-rushing Eyre.

Blues then applied concerted pressure and Eyre?s opposite number somehow managed to tip Slabber?s seven yard strike over the bar. However, from the resulting Poole corner ex-Shrimper Jamie Stuart not often on the score sheet, headed into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Southend promptly made another substitution that was to prove significant, replacing Bentley with 21- year old Daniel Woodards.

For the next ten minutes play was confined to the middle of the park, in amongst which the man in black fell over! Both sides then made further substitutions, Prior and Barratt being replaced by Nicola Jozic and Andy Edwards for Southend, and Aaron McLean and Sam Wright coming on for Martin and Slabber.

Had it not been for a brilliant double save from Flavahan Blues would have increased their advantage, but the ex-Saints keeper prevented both Hooper and McLean from scoring.

Shortly afterwards played was halted whilst Sam Wright, barely on the field of play for five minutes, received lengthy treatment for a suspected broken bone, and it came as no surprise when the trialist was stretchered off and subsequently replaced by Tom Williamson.

Grays were then forced into making another change with Tony Battersby replacing the limping Hooper, who had sustained a knock.

Deep into time added on for stoppages, Kightly displaying excellent ball control saw his shot go narrowly wide, and then in the very last minute Southend equalized. Woodards collected a pass from fellow substitute Kenzie Ibe and powerfully hit home from fifteen yards, much to the Blues fans and no doubt players disappointment.

After the match, Manager Mark Stimson commented ?It was a great game against very good opposition. It was a good test for us, and we caused them a few problems. Nicky pulled off some fine saves and will push Ashley all the way.?

Asked about their last goal Stimmo responded ?After the injury to Sam Wright we lost our concentration a little, and it is disappointing that we conceded the third goal. However, there are lots more positives than negatives throughout the whole game.?

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