Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

As the other three promoted sides gained victories in their opening games in the Nationwide Conference, it was soon evident that fellow new boys, Stafford Rangers, were also intent on getting something from their trip to the New Rec. For their part, the Blues were looking to ease the four debutants, Lee Boylan, Jay Smith, Adam Green and Ashley Nicholls into the Grays style of play, something that will take time to achieve.

Grays began brightly with Smith nearly making a dream start when his downward header was kicked off the line by Kevin Street in the 2nd minute. Then, in the 6th minute, Johnny Martin, winning the ball in mid-field, fed Boylan whose sweeping cross- field pass was taken in full stride by Glenn Poole. From just inside the box, he unleashed a vicious shot which Stafford keeper, Dean Williams, did well to parry; but, unfortunately for him, defender Nathan Talbott could only turn the ball into his own net, albeit under considerable pressure from the on-rushing Michael Kightly.

Home fans hopes for a goal-fest were dashed when 3 minutes later the elusive Guy Madjo wriggled clear in the penalty area but was tripped by Green. The resultant spot kick was dispatched without fuss by veteran Neil Grayson to put the Rangers level. This seemed to give the visitors momentum and with Madjo proving a handful for

Smith (as well as displaying an Olympic propensity for diving at the slightest contact!) the game became more even. Madjo was involved in the build-up to Stafford's best chance when Ged Murphy was put clear six yards out but his effort drew a fine save from crowd favourite, Ashley Bayes.

The second half saw two fine goal attempts by the industrious Aaron McLean fly over the bar and a Kightly effort saved, the ensuing loose ball somehow cleared by the Stafford defence. Even the introduction of Dennis Oli in the 69th minute could not conjure a goal for the Blues who were frustrated by a combination of early season rustiness and, it must be said, dogged and determined defending by Stafford, who must have been the happier of the two teams at the final whistle. The verdict by the home fans was,surely, satisfactory progress but must do better!

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Green, Stuart, Boylan(Oli 68), Martin, McLean, Kightly, Smith, Nicholls, Poole
Subs not used: Knowles, Williamson, Moulds, Slabber

Goal Scorer: Kightly(6)

Stafford Rangers: Williams, Sutton, Murray, Daniel, Talbott, Gibson, Murphy (Lovatt 86), Downes, Street, Grayson, Madjo.
Subs Not Used: Alcock, Edwards, Quailey, Olaoye.

Booked: Murphy.

Goal Scorer: Grayson (9 pen)

Att: 1049

Fans Man of the Match: Stuart

Ref: Steve Cook (Sheffield)

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