Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

Grays produced what was probably their most inept performance of the season against a strong-running Dagenham side who, it must be said, thoroughly deserved their victory. However, when one considers this was a local derby it was hard for Blues fans not to question the commitment of some of the home players. If they had shown the same spirit as the Grays supporters at the Bradbourne Road end who sang their hearts out for the whole of the match in the pouring rain then the Daggers would have been in for a rousing contest!

For all that, Grays made good chances in the game; Tony Battersby, Johnny Martin and Michael Kightly (who also smacked a shot against the post in the second half) all failed to beat the visitor?s goalie, Tony Roberts. In the 11th minute a fine run by Craig Mackail-Smith saw him cut the ball back for Paul Bruce to shoot from distance. The ball took a deflection and looped over Ashley Bayes to put the Daggers in front. Worse was to follow for the home fans when in the 18th minute a cross by Danny Foster somehow found its way past two hesitant Blues defenders to former Purfrock striker Cliff Akurang who nudged the ball in off the post.

Just before the interval, another defensive mix-up led to Glen Southam making it 3-0 with a scrambled effort. The second half began with Grays trying to take the game to Dagenham but they could not find a way past their stubborn resistance. Then in the 66th minute a weak back pass by sub Christian Hanson left Akurang with time and space to round Bayes and score with ease to complete a thoroughly miserable evening for the home support.

Can we play as badly on Saturday in the Trophy or will the opportunity to regain some pride in their performance spur the Blues to a famous victory? We haven?t got long to find out!

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook (Hanson 45), Stuart, Edwards, Nutter, Kightly, Martin (Williamson 72), Thurgood, Poole, Hooper, Battersby (Oli 56).
Subs Not Used: Eyre, Slabber

Booked: Hanson

Att: 1065.

Ref: D McDermid (Hampshire)

Fans Man of the Match: Kightly

Sorry, Can't hear you over that drum!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Don't worry, I'll catch you!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Oh no, I don't think I can stop!!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

You put your left foot in, your left foot out....!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Your lace is un-done!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Where's the ball gone!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Chariots of Fire!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Karate Kid strikes again!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

And stretch 2 3, touch those toes!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

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