Matches

Match Report by Martin Candler

Short of their leading marksmen, Aaron McLean and Michael Kightly, departed to Peterborough and Wolves respectively, it was always going to be a tough assignment for the Blues. Stevenage employed a narrow three-man mid-field to deny Grays time and space and it could be argued that a foul count of 22 to 12 illustrates a rather cynical approach by the home side. Although it was not a spiteful encounter referee, Mr. Atwell, found time to brandish 9 yellow cards which hardly helped the flow of the game.

In a dull opening half hour the Blues more than held their own but, towards half-time and for the only time in the match, Stevenage mounted a sustained attack aided, it must be said, by Grays conceding unnecessary free-kicks round the box. From one of these free-kicks, George Boyd, by far the best forward on view, was put in by Jon Nurse but his fierce shot was brilliantly saved by Ashley Bayes. Just as Grays thought they had weathered the storm, former Blue, Adam Miller, latched on to a deflected free-kick to guide the ball past Bayes to give the home side the advantage.

Grays started the second half in determined mood and driven on by the excellent Stuart Thurgood, rapidly getting back to his best, took the game to Stevenage. Roared on by a noisy 417-strong away end the Blues mounted a sustained spell of pressure and both Justin Richards and Lee Boylan had chances. Dennis Oli and Glenn Poole switched wings and tormented the Stevenage defence but still the breakthrough refused to materialise. In an attempt to snatch an equaliser Grays then introduced new boy Jamie Coutts and John Turner but the nearest the Blues came to an equaliser was through a Jamie Stuart header which was just wide and a thunderous shot by Thurgood that missed the post by inches. However, it must be said that for all their spirited attacking Grays lacked a true cutting edge to pierce the Stevenage rearguard and the home side hung on for a much-needed victory..

These are early days in Mick Woodward‘s managership but, after the game, most Grays fans were happy with the effort and passion shown by their team and are convinced that any weaknesses in the team will be rectified in the weeks ahead. One thing the supporters are sure of is that Mick will be determined to do his utmost to bring players to the club who share his passion for attacking football. It‘s never dull following Grays Ath.!

Grays Athletic: Bayes, Green (Coutts 71), Smith, Sangare, Stuart, Oli, Martin, Poole, Thurgood, Boylan, Richards (Turner 86).
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Williamson, Nicholls.

Booked: Smith, Sangare, Thurgood, Coutts, Poole.

Att: 2207

Ref: S Atwell (Nuneaton).

Fans Man of the Match: Sangare

© 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