Matches

MATCH REPORT VS TAMWORTH (AWAY) by Carol Smith-Allen

Whilst Tamworth by all accounts moved up a level and gave a much-improved performance, Grays on the other hand slipped down a gear and gave a below par performance. However, despite this dip in form Mark Stimson?s men left Kettlebrook with a valuable point and their unbeaten record still intact courtesy of two great strikes from Dennis Oli and Glenn Poole. In fact in the latter stages of the game Blues could have really upset the apple cart and nicked all three points.

Grays fielded the same team who faced Kidderminster Harriers with the exception of Dean Brennan replacing the injured John Martin and Aaron McLean in for Tony Battersby who is still recovering from a groin strain. The opposition also made changes to their line-up with on loan Darren Mansaram partnering Julian Alsop up front and there Manager Mark Cooper decided to forego the quality of Hugh McAuley in midfield for the pace of Adie Smith and Dave Brampton.

Grays started well enough and within minutes Glenn Poole despatched a fierce volley but it was straight at Lambs keeper James Dormand, followed by a low drive from McLean which went wide of the upright. Blues best chance came from Dennis Oli but the striker?s cheeky chip was smothered by Dormand.

In the 11th minute the home side could have opened the scoring had Bayes not made a brilliant save from Brampton?s snap-shot.

Then two minutes later that is exactly what happened when a misunderstanding between Bayes and Jamie Stuart gifted Lambs their first goal in 299 minutes of Conference football. A long ball by Dormand had been flicked on by Alsop and under pressure from Mansaram Stuart had headed back to Bayes, but the keeper had already come off his line and the ball landed in the back of the net. Needless to say a few expletives were muttered by disappointed Blues fans.

This set-back seemed to knock Grays out of their stride whilst the hosts proceeded to waste as much times as possible ? neither side looked threatening and play became fragmented.

Fortunately Blues held an ace card in Oli who was outstanding throughout, and around the half an hour mark the striker got on the end of a diagonal ball from Poole but curled his close range shot just wide. Eight minutes later he skilfully shook off his marker and unleashed a shot from a tight angle on the left, which looked to be going wide but crept into the far right-hand corner of the net to restore parity.

The Lambs then made their first substitution replacing the injured Darren Campbell with James Francis (son of Trevor), and then the home side forced a corner. Ex-Colchester and Torquay defender Scott Stamp took the dead ball kick and although the lofty Alsop rose high at the back post his header went well over the crossbar.

Both sides had chances within minutes of the restart ? Hooper for Blues and then Francis forced a corner for the hosts. From Stamps set-piece the ball ricocheted around in the crowded box which contained plenty of yellow shirts, but despite numerous chances to clear Blues failed to do so, allowing Mansaram to head home from point blank range.

The home side?s tails were now up and perhaps they sensed that elusive victory was within their grasp.

On fifty-seven minutes Mark Stimson made a much needed change replacing McLean with Jamie Slabber. Five minutes later he made a second substitution bringing on Bertie Brayley for Hooper, prior to which Tamworth replaced the limping Mansaram with the experienced Bob Taylor.

Lambs continued to apply pressure but with the introduction of Slabber and Brayley Grays sprung into life and began to take control.

A through ball found Slabber but the striker squared the ball when he would have done better to shoot. Then some excellent passing play by Oli and Thurgood set-up Poole who powerfully drove the ball into the back of the net from just out on the right. Great goal!!

Two minutes later and Grays could have had a third. Despite several stabs at goal by various players each of which was blocked, the ball was eventually cleared out of the danger area.

Slabber then came close having got on the end of Mawer?s cross but he was denied by Dormand.

As the final whistle approached both sides had chances to grab all three points; Tris Whitman shot wide of the right-hand post from Stamp?s corner kick, Oli saw a shot blocked and Thurgood blasted over the bar.

In a bid to waste a bit more time Lambs made a late substitution replacing Alsop with Kyle Storer, and Brampton was yellow-carded for not retreating the obligatory ten yards.

Then right at the death the home side had a golden opportunity but Francis shot into the side netting from Whitman?s cross - Bayes appeared to have it covered anyway.

After the match Mark Stimson said he was ?bitterly disappointed? not to collect maximum points. ?We know Tamworth are extremely dangerous at set-pieces, and for some reason my defence and keeper were not at their best. They gave away two goals which were out of character. I think the Tamworth forwards could smell they had a chance. But overall I was pleased with how we passed the ball and the display of Dennis Oli was brilliant.?

Supporters Man Of The Match:- Dennis Oli

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