Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

Grays turned in a most convincing performance against a Tamworth side beset with relegation worries and losing their recent signing, ex-Gunner Paul Merson to a stomach complaint just before the match. Goals from Aaron McLean, Stuart Thurgood, Michael Kightly and a brace from the lively Jamie Slabber pushed the Blues up into 5th spot in the league table and gave impetus to their play-off hopes.

Showing great appetite and application, Grays played some eye-catching football and as early as the 12th minute were ahead, McLean capitalising on hesitancy in the Tamworth defence to slam home at the second attempt. A wayward back-pass by the giant defender Matt Redmile was just hacked to safety by the desperately retreating visiting keeper, Sean Bowles, who was also mightily relieved soon after to see a Jamie Stuart header controversially ruled out for an infringement by referee, Mr. G. Horwood. However, the Blues continued to pile on the pressure and a sweet move involving Cameron Mawer and the hard-working Dennis Oli put Thurgood clear in the box and his clinical drive ended up wedged high in the Tamworth net.

Worse was to follow for Tamworth when, in the 31st minute, defender Dave Bampton was sent off for two rash challenges within a few minutes of each other, the second of which resulted in McLean limping off to be replaced by the enigmatic Jamie Slabber. John Nutter, Oli and Slabber all had chances to score but in the 45th minute Slabber combining well with Nutter fired in his first goal since November 5th to his obvious delight.

Ten minutes into the second half, a long clearance by Nicky Eyre, in the side for Ashley Bayes, was not dealt with by Redmile and Slabber pounced to register Grays?s fourth goal. The Blues then proceeded to play possession football against their depleted opposition to maintain an iron grip on the match. Slabber then had two good efforts on goal saved by Bowles to deny him a hat-trick. Glenn Poole shot wide but soon after the same player supplied an inch-perfect cross for Kightly to head home the Blues?s fifth goal of the game; a sixth was ruled out for off-side in the dying moments. Many home fans were asking after the game whether Grays have re-discovered their best form just at the right time to put in a strong challenge for league and Trophy success.

Grays Athletic: Eyre, Mawer (Sambrook 70), Stuart, Hanson, Nutter, Kightly, Thurgood, Olayinka (Williamson 58), Poole, McLean (Slabber 36), Oli.
Subs Not Used: Bayes, Hooper.

Goalscorers: McLean(12), Thurgood(28), Slabber(45,55), Kightly(87)

Attn: 1117

Ref:G Horwood (Luton)

Fans Man of the Match: Thurgood

Ok don't shoot!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Where is that ball?
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

The boys line up for the Can-Can!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Ok, who can jump the highest??
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Jamie gives Nicky Summerbee a foot up!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Thurgood blocks the way!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Watch his foot Jamie!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Can I play please??
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Yessssssss!!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Who will get the ball first??
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Hey, who stole my giant cup of Bovril??
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

Aaron tries out his toe point balance!!
Photo: ? Rob Vallance

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