Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

In an action-packed game at the impressive Nene Park stadium, Grays produced an outstanding performance against their former Football League opponents. However, in the opening exchanges the Diamonds severely tested a Grays defence still settling new players into their system. Fine saves be Ashley Bayes and a refreshingly defiant team ethic saw the Blues steadily impose themselves on the game and in the 30th minute took the lead. The tireless Aaron McLean fired in a shot which fell invitingly to Glenn Poole and his sweet left foot shot drilled across ex-Grays keeper, Nicky Eyres, found the far corner of the net.

Apart from the subtle promptings of play-maker Marcus Kelly, Rushden began to look a little one-dimensional in their tactic of trying to hit their two big front men with high balls. It was, therefore, something of a surprise when in the 43rd minute, Glenn Wilson, given time and space, crossed perfectly for Michael Rankine to head home. This gave Rankine some solace as earlier had a goal ruled out for offside and put a header wide from close in.

After weathering early pressure in the second half, the Blues visibly grew in confidence. The defence looked more secure, the mid-field of Johnny Martin and Ashley Nicholls, aided by striker Lee Boylan whenever Rushden pushed forward, gave as good as they got, and, the attacking trio of Mclean, Kightly and Poole were causing all sorts of problems for the home defence. In the 61st minute, a corner taken by Kightly was headed across goal by “the Master”, Jamie Stuart to McLean who planted a firm header past Eyres to restore Grays lead.

Rushden seemed to wilt from this blow but Grays were not finished, for in the 85th minute Kightly cut in from the right and scored in stunning fashion with a curling let foot drive from 20 yards to round off a memorable Blues victory.

Mention must be made of some rather officious stewarding (there were 21 of them at one time for 93 travelling supporters!) who exercised zero tolerance from the start to anyone standing up regardless of the fact that the huge stand allocated could hold 2000 people. We know the God of Health & Safety(and Conference regulations) must be obeyed but surely there must be a minimal risk in these small crowd gatherings and a little more common sense could be shown. The two bald-headed stewards (dubbed Phil Mitchell and his father) hardly endeared themselves to the Grays fans with an attitude just to the right of Genghis Khan! A pity, really, because the facilities and hospitality at the ground were second to none and the Rushden fans, themselves, were a credit to the Conference.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Stuart, Smith, Green, Kightly, Martin, Nicholls, Poole, McLean, Boylan (Oli 78).
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Williamson, Moulds, Slabber.

Booked: Sambrook.

Goalscorers: Martin (30), McLean (61), Kightly (85).

Att: 2,015.

Ref: R Fletcher (Derbyshire)

Fans Man of the Match: Bayes

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