Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

Friday night football came to the New Rec for the first time as two sides with Football League ambitions served up a fast and furious game which was settled by a stunning goal by the Brewer‘s mid-fielder, Andy Ducross. Perhaps it was the curse of the Manager of the Month award to Frank Gray that was the kiss of death to Grays who suffered their first defeat of the campaign. In the early exchanges, Burton gave notice that they were intent on denying the Blues time and space, concentrating particularly on curbing the supply to the in-form Michael Kightly and Glenn Poole. Burton were not content solely to defend and efforts by john Shaw and Chris Hall came close to opening their goal account. Then a mis-cued Glenn Poole defensive header beat Ashley Bayes but, luckily for him, hit the outside of the post and went for a corner.

Suddenly, Grays sprang to life and Dennis Oli saw a thunderous 30-yarder whistle over the bar and Aaron McLean produced an air shot when well-placed to score. The two home strikers were causing the Albion‘s defence problems but the redoubtable skipper, Darren Stride and the impressive John Brayford stood firm as Grays strove for the breakthrough.

It should have come straight after the half-time interval when Kightly(as he is so often) was perfectly placed on the end of a far post cross but elected to attempt a volley when a header was perhaps the better option and the chance was squandered. Veteran keeper, Kevin Poole then denied McLean and at the other end a sudden turn and shot from distance by Daryl Clare flew just wide. A nasty collision between the opposing warriors, Mclean and Stride, left both with head injuries but thankfully both were able to continue after lengthy treatment.

Then, in the 69th minute, Ducross robbed Ashley Nicholls in mid- field and let fly from 25 yards to give Burton the lead. Poole again was the hero in denying Oli as Grays went for the equaliser and manager, Frank Gray, gambled further by introducing both Lee Boylan and Jamie Slabber in a desperate final push. Hall deflected a McLean header past the post and a fierce Mclean low cross was somehow scythed over, not under, the bar by defender Andy Corbett‘s outstretched leg. Yet, during the 6 minutes of injury time, Burton themselves had a great chance from a rare breakaway. Sub Shaun Harrad was put clear through on goal but his shot was blocked by Adam Green who had made up ground brilliantly to rescue the situation.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Smith (Boylan 87), Stuart, Green, Kightly, Nicholls, Martin (Slabber 81), Poole, Oli, McLean.
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Williamson, Moulds.

Att: 1367

Ref: G Horwood (England)

Fans Man of the Match: Sambrook

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