Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

In their first-ever appearance in the 2nd round of the F.A. Cup the Blues, urged on by their noisy, passionate fans, couldn’t quite overcome the twin obstacles of a committed Mansfield side and an over-strict referee. After a bright opening, Grays were pegged back with a headed goal by the Stags leading scorer Ritchie Barker in the 11th minute, after the Grays defence failed to clear a mis-hit Adam Rundle shot. Worse was to follow when two minutes later referee Trevor Kettle harshly adjudged a tackle by Andy Sambrook on Trundle as worthy of a straight red card.

To their credit Grays continued to press but were frustrated by a Mansfield outfit whose game plan was to disrupt the visitor’s passing game and hit the lively Barker and Adam Birchall with long balls as quickly as possible. Chances were few and far between for both sides but in the 24th minute yet another free- kick awarded to Grays was touched sideways by skipper Stuart Thurgood for Johnny Martin to strike the foot of home keeper, Kevin Pressman’s, right-hand post. John Nutter following up could only smash the ball over the bar.

Six minutes before the break, Blues fans were stunned when referee Kettle awarded a penalty to Mansfield for what appeared to be a regulation tackle by Thurgood on Birchall. Suffice to point out that Mr. Kettle has shown 7 red cards in 20 matches along with 87 yellows. Barker coolly converted the spot kick (despite having to re-take it for encroachment).

The second half saw 10 man Grays still trying to attack but were repulsed by a well-organised Mansfield rearguard with Alex John Baptiste outstanding. Dennis Oli and Jamie Slabber found the going tough against their experienced League opponents. Inevitably, Grays began to leave gaps and Barker missed a couple of chances when well- placed and Welsh under-21 international Birchall had an effort ruled out for off-side after prodding in a rebound from Giles Coke. However he was not to be denied when in the 76th minute he celebrated his 21st birthday with a headed goal to effectively end the Blues’ hopes. Even so, a thumping 20 yarder, just wide from Thurgood, and a deflected shot that rolled agonizingly past the post illustrated that it was by no means one-way traffic.

Mark Stimson was his usual diplomatic self after the game but did make the point that the sending-off and penalty decisions were rather harsh and that it materially affected the outcome. Sky T.V. pundits thought Mr Kettle was wrong on both counts but, come on, let’s wish Mansfield good luck in their away tie at the mighty Newcastle.

Grays Athletic:
A Bayes, A Sambrook, L Matthews, S Angus, J Nutter (75 G Poole) , M Kightly (45 G Hooper) , S Thurgood, J Martin, D Oli, A McLean, J Slabber

Subs not uesd:
N Eyre, A Olayinka, N Koo-Boothe

Bookings:
S Thurgood 40
S Angus 41

Sent off:
A Sambrook 15

Ref: T Kettle

Att: 2992

Fans Man of the Match: Stuart Thurgood

Excuse me, is that the way to Specsavers???
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Don't worry Dennis, I'll catch you!!
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Ashley tries his hand at Russian Dancing
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Fantastic Support
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