Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

The Blues recorded their 7th away win in the Conference so far this season at the Broadhall Way stadium with a performance of grit and determination to go with their customary skill. This aspect of their play was praised after the game by Mark Stimson who is fully aware of the need sometimes to battle it out in this most competitive of leagues. The 450 vocal Grays fans, who made the trip to Stevenage's impressive ground, took part in an immaculately observed 1 minutes silence for football legend George Best. Their sombre mood turned to joy when 17 year old Gary Hooper come off the subs bench to poach a late winner for the second week running.

In the 1st half, with new signing Nathan Koo-Boothe understandably taking time to adjust, Stevenage pinned the Blues back and Anthony Elding failed to convert two chances, the second of which drew a fine save from keeper Ashley Bayes. However, Aaron McLean also had two unsuccessful attempts on goal as Grays began to get into the game, superbly prompted by skipper Stuart Thurgood and his midfield lieutenant Johnny Martin. Unfortunately, following a foul, Stuart collected a booking after a push and shove with Stevenage's Ollie Berquez, who was also shown a yellow card.

The 2nd half saw efforts by Stevenage star George Boyd (well-marshalled by Andy Sambrook) and Grays Lee Matthews go close. The best chance of the game so far came in the 80th minute when Boyd, after a sinuous run, unleashed a fine shot which hit the bar. After this let-off, the Blues stormed back and with just 5 minutes to go sub Glenn Poole, receiving the ball at the far post, cut inside but was felled by a late challenge by Rob Quinn. The Stevenage team protested and after what seemed like an age Thurgood finally stepped up and, for once, his penalty kick was tame; but keeper Julians parried save was netted by Hooper who was first to react. Stevenage's misery was compounded when sub Dino Maamria was sent off in the dying moments for a rash shove on Thurgood.

Overall the Blues shaded a tight, fiercely contested game without being at their fluent best. Stevenage, with their impressive facilities, including a brand new 2 million pound Football Academy, will surely be in the mix at the end of the season. For Stimmos Blue Army this was yet another major triumph against a Conference heavyweight.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Matthews, Koo-Boothe, Nutter, Thurgood, Oli, Martin, Kightly (Hooper 64), McLean (Poole 72), Slabber. Subs Not Used: Eyre, Olayinka, Mawer

Booked: Thurgood, McLean

Goals: Hooper 84

Att: 2,753

Ref: S Creighton (Reading)

Fans Man of the Match: Stuart Thurgood

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