Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

Grays looked a completely different outfit from the side that was held to a lack-lustre draw against Forest Green at the New Rec on Saturday. Displaying verve and invention, the Blues stormed into a three-goal lead in a devastating 17 minute spell in the first half that left the home side reeling. In the 17th minute Glenn Poole, receiving from Andy Sambrook worked the ball to Michael Kightly, who glided past the despairing Darren Barnard and Ian Simpember to coolly chip the advancing Shots keeper, Nikki Bull.

Two minutes later a diagonal ball, again from Sambrook, evaded Lewis Hamilton and the alert Poole read the situation perfectly to head over the stranded Bull and double the Blues?s lead. Then came the goal of the game. The improving Christian Hanson broke up a promising Aldershot attack deep in his own half, dropped his shoulder, spun and looking up, delivered a pin-point 60yard pass to Poole. An instant,cushioned lay-off by Poole set the ball up perfectly for ex-Shot, Aaron McLean to volley majestically into the top corner of the net; a breathtaking move and finish that would have graced any football arena! Aldershot?s morale visibly sagged, and despite the efforts of ex-Blue Leroy Griffiths, went into the interval looking a beaten side. Mention must be made both of the great ovation accorded to Leroy by the travelling Blues fans in his first match against us since his departure and also the sporting applause by the Aldershot supporters, particularly in the East Stand, for their own former hero, Aaron McLean?s brilliant strike.

The second half saw Grays knock the ball around, seemingly determined to keep a tight rein on the game, perhaps mindful of the heavy playing schedule that lies ahead. Dennis Oli, on for the injured Jamie Slabber, was sent clear from the half-way line by an astute pass by John Nutter but his resultant shot was somehow blocked. At the other end a telling cross by Griffiths was met with a powerful shot by sub Mazin Ahmad which was well saved by the diving Ashley Bayes. Grays proceeded to see out the game with no major alarms and can reflect on this performance as ample evidence that they are becoming more adept at closing a game down when in front.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Stuart, Hanson, Nutter, Kightly (Hooper 64), Williamson, Thurgood, Poole, McLean (Olayinka 81), Slabber (Oli 47).
Subs Not Used: Eyre, Bruce.

Goalscorers: Kightly(10), Poole(19), McLean(27)

Bookings: Slabber(30), Hanson(83), Poole(85)

Referee: G Scott

Att: 1879

Fans Man of the Match: McLean

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