Matches

Match report by Martin Candler
A much- improved display by the Blues finished off a truly momentous year in their115 year history. Only some defensive frailties and a never-say-die attitude from the visitors prevented Grays from registering a fine victory after two Michael Kightly goals had seemingly put the hosts into an unassailable lead.

With Tony Battersby, back for his first game since September, leading the line in convincing fashion, Grays had a spring in their step missing in recent games. Indeed, after just 30 seconds, a rapier-like move involving Battersby and Glenn Poole ended with Johnny Martin firing wide. Stevenage responded with Dino Maamria and George Boyd going close. But in the 15th minute, Martin?s incisive through ball saw Kightly round the excellent Boro keeper, Alan Julian and coolly roll the ball into the empty net.

Aaron McLean, showing a huge appetite for the game rattled the visitor?s defence with his tireless running. The highly-rated Ronny Henry, in particular, found McLean a handful and was booked for a rash challenge on him; he was a little fortunate to avoid a red card when he kicked Mclean instead of the ball soon afterwards.

In another swift raid, Gary Hooper, introduced straight after the break for Battersby, released Kightly, who set up Martin, unmarked in the box, but the mid-fielder, smashed the ball against the bar. After Stevenage missed chances through Boyd and debutant, Jefferson Louis, Grays scored again. After a period of sustained pressure, Martin fed Kightly who shot low into the net. Julian then saved brilliantly from a Martin header.
In the 76th and 87th, defensive slips by Jamie Stuart and Joe Bruce saw Maamria and Louis score for the visitors. In a pulsating finale Eyre saved with his legs from Jon Nurse and Bruce drew an acrobatic save from Julian with a thumping volley. Grays will obviously rue not taking all three points but their overall performance was pleasing in what was a thoroughly entertaining game. The day was made for long-standing Blues fans by a visit from some of the late 80s/early 90s side to the New Rec, namely, Barrie Fox, Paul Timson, Nicky Crown, Ian Brown and Richard Cherry. I can report that they were most impressed with the new set-up and enjoyed the usual Grays warm welcome in the bar afterwards!

Grays Athletic: Eyre, Sambrook, Stuart, Bruce, Nutter, Kightly, Thurgood, Martin, Poole, Battersby (Hooper 45), McLean.
Subs Not Used: Bayes, Williamson, Olayinka, Slabber

Goalscorers: Kightly (16)(73)

Bookings:
Thurgood (45)
McLean (83)

Referee: M A Harris

Att: 1214

Fans Man of the Match: McLean

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