Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

In a match that was a fine advert for Conference football Hereford, after being two goals down at half-time, fought back to earn a precious away point at the New Rec. As befits two sides making a serious challenge for promotion no quarter was asked or given but the game was played in a good spirit with a compelling mixture of fast, attacking football and committed tackling. Grays, with Brett Johnson, Andy Edwards and Christian Hanson making their home debuts, tore into the Bulls from the start and crowd favourite, Aaron McLean, soon had a shot saved by Hereford custodian Wayne Brown. Simon Travis then blocked a John Martin shot as the Blues continued to set the pace.

In the 27th minute, the Blues took the lead when Michael Kightly and the fast- improving, Gary Hooper combined to set up McLean, who swept home his fourth goal in three games. Aaron was then the defensive hero when he cleared an Andy Williams shot off the line after an Andy Sambrook slip. Two minutes later Stuart Thurgood scored from a free-kick which seemed to take a deflection on its way into the net.

Hereford came out in the second half with more determination and with Nicky Nicolau and sub Danny Carey-Bartram (on for the injured Guy Ipoua) showing great pace down the flanks the visitors began to get in behind the hitherto tight Grays defence. However, the turning point of the match came when a weak backheader by Travis was pounced on by the alert Hooper who, uncharacteristically, blazed over. Four minutes later, a slick move down the left saw the impressive Alex Jeannin provide a terrific cross into the box for the Bull?s skipper, Tamika Mkanawire to power an unstoppable header past Ashley Bayes to halve the deficit. After Martin had a shot well blocked by Brown, that man Jeannin curled a swinging corner in for Beckwith to scramble home. Much of Hereford?s more penetrating play came from Jeannin, who was, perhaps, allowed too much time on the ball in Hereford?s come-back.

All square then on the day but the Blues must take heart from a fine performance against another former Football league team with great traditions.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Edwards, Hanson, Johnson, Kightly, Hooper, Thurgood, Martin, Battersby (Oli 67), McLean (Slabber 80).
Subs Not Used: Eyre, Nutter, Mawer

Goalscorers: McLean(27), Thurgood(42)

Bookings: Sambrook(69)

Att: 1528

Referee: D Cann (Norfolk)

Fans Man of the Match: McLean

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Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Hooper starts the conga!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Perfect balance!
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You can't beat a bit of Bully!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

He's behind you!
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After a workout in the gym, Stu checks his biceps!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Forthcoming fixtures