Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

After recent upheavals at the club, it was back to League business and the Blues started the game at a fast pace and proceeded to dominate the opening half. With Lee Boylan and new loanee Justin Richards striking up an immediate rapport, which augurs well for the future, both players had early chances to score. Firstly, Richards headed wide when well-placed and then Boylan drew a save from Paul Crichton with a looping header.

However, Cambridge were nothing if not dogged and Ashley Bayes was called upon to make a smart save from a David Bridges effort on goal. On their left, tricky winger Courtney Pitt had the edge on Jay Smith , deputising for the injured Andy Sambrook, and gave the visitors a constant outlet throughout the game.. In the 17th minute a free-kick by Jon Brady was headed powerfully goalwards by Michael Gash and Bayes could only parry the ball sideways where the alert Robbie Simpson pounced to put the “U‘s” in front.

Grays continued to press and finally made the breakthrough in the 44th minute. A quickly taken free-kick by Stuart Thurgood found Richards who cleverly teed the ball up for Boylan to volley home. Dennis Oli then headed over before a desperate lunge by Tommy Jaszczun brought Michael Kightly down in the penalty area. To the amazement of fans and players alike(including some of the visiting contingent) referee Mr.Cann refused to give a penalty and then booked Richards for contesting his descision!

In the second half, the match became more even with Cambridge employing a more direct approach and Grays, with two or three players in their ranks feeling the lack of match practice, began to find it harder to penetrate a big, determined Cambridge defence. Sub Glenn Poole fired just over with a rasping drive and in the dying minutes, Grays‘ Smith was relieved when a driven cross from Cambridge sub, Marcus Richardson, hit his knee and somehow flew over the bar.

Finally, mention must be made of the departure of crowd favourite, Aaron McLean, to Peterborough. May we wish him every success in the future and thank him for his contribution to the Blues cause.

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Smith, Plummer, Stuart, Bull (Nicholls 82), Kightly (Poole 66), Thurgood, Martin, Oli, Boylan, Richards.
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Sangare, Williamson.

Booked: Richards, Smith, Bull, Thurgood.

Goals: Boylan (45)

Att: 1163

Ref: D Cann (Norfolk)

Fans Man of the Match: Stuart

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

© Mark Gardner

Forthcoming fixtures