Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

With Tuesday night?s drubbing against an in-form Dagenham side still fresh in their minds, Grays set out their stall to make sure there was no capitulation this time. A bumpy pitch, a blustery wind and indifferent recent form saw the Blues grind out a draw in an untidy but tense Trophy Quarter-Final match. Although it must be said that the visitors created the better chances, Grays showed far more commitment than of late. Ade Olayinka, surprisingly recalled from his loan spell, provided some bite in mid-field as well as limiting the influential Sam Saunders?s attacking opportunities.

The Blues made a dream start when in the 6th minute a speculative shot by the industrious Glenn Poole sailed into the net via the post. The Daggers hit back with home custodian Ashley Bayes saving smartly from a Chris Moore shot and an Anwar Uddin header. But in the 16th minute, Grays were stunned when Bayes flapped at a regulation cross and Craig Mackail- Smith was on hand to drill home the equalizer.

It took some time for Grays to recover from this setback and the Daggers? direct, uncompromising style threatened to dictate the game. But, to their credit, Grays weathered the storm and urged on by the noisy home support, regained their composure but found it difficult to breach the well-drilled Dagenham rearguard.

The second half continued as a war of attrition with neither side showing any expansive attacking ideas, save for a great individual piece of skill by Moore who glided past Cameron Mawer and skipper, Stuart Thurgood to unleash a fierce drive which Bayes brilliantly parried away to safety. Then Moore, this time the provider, put Mackail- Smith in the clear with a peach of a pass and he raced through to hit a goal-bound cross- shot that Bayes blocked acrobatically with his legs to keep the Blues in the match; many Grays fans were asking after the game whether this save would prove to be the turning point in the tie. But whatever happens in the replay this was a much-improved display against a side who are not easy to play against.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Nutter, Stuart, Thurgood, Hooper (Oli), McLean, Kightly, Olayinka, Mawer, Poole {Martin), Hanson
Subs not used: Eyre, Williamson, Slabber

Goalscorer: Poole (6)

Ref: R. Shoebridge

Attn: 2321

Fans Man of the Match: Stuart

Sorry, I thought you said it was a Blues Band!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Hmmm, Now where did I park the car???
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

The Bradbourne in full swing!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Go on, Chase me!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

It's my ball, now go away!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Sorry Guys, the ball is still stuck to the bar!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

See, I can do the splits!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Midair collision over Grays!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Sorry mate you have got something in your eye!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Honestly Aaron, it was this big!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Going for the basket!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

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