Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Grays Athletic 0
Tue, December 26, 2006. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report by Martin Candler
Grays travelled to the Victoria Ground with the knowledge that Dagenham would be eagerly looking for three points to maintain their title push. In view of the depleted resources available it came as no surprise that Andy King opted to continue with a 4-5-1 formation that had seen off Weymouth in the Trophy. Lee Boylan returned to the side after injury and worked hard in the lone striker role before being replaced in the 75th minute by John Turner and debutant Matt Bodkin impressed with his all-action style.
The first half saw the Daggers building their attacks with plenty of energy, trying to make headway down both flanks but the Blues, it must be said, defended with great spirit and reduced their opponents mainly to long-range attempts on goal. Sheku Kamara incurred the home supporter‘s wrath with some meaty challenges, finally getting his name in referee Mr.Ward‘s book with an over-zealous tackle.
Not that the traffic was all one-way, Boylan was twice put clear but could not make the most of his opportunities and only a last-ditch interception by Peterborough-bound Shane Blackett denied Andy Sambrook; however, clear-cut chances were few and the Blues were quite happy to reach half-time without conceding a goal.
Dagenham came out in the second half fired up and for the first time in the match Grays were put under severe pressure. Once again Ashley Bayes showed his mettle with fine saves from Paul Benson, and Sam Sloma(twice). But the best opportunity came after a fine run and pin-point cross by Griffiths which Benson should perhaps have hit the target instead of heading over the bar, then the combative Ronnie Bull had a great chance when he ran on to a fine pass by Ashley Nicholls but his goal-bound shot was deflected wide.
As the game drew to a close it was the Blues who looked the more likely to score as Dagenham seemed to run out of ideas and only a fine save by Tony Roberts from Nicholls prevented Grays snatching all three points, nevertheless, a point gained away from home was a just reward for a competitive performance and perhaps when Andy King gets his preferred line-up in place Blues fans can look for a more attacking approach.
Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Stuart, Comyn-Platt, Bull, Kamara, Williamson, Martin (Poole 72), Nicholls, Boylan (Turner 75), Bodkin.
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Sangare, Richards.
Booked: Kamara, Bull.
Att: 1,855
Ref: G Ward (Kent).
Fans Man of the Match: Bodkin
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