Grays Athletic 1 Braintree Town 0 (ESC Q/Final)
Tue, January 16, 2007. Kick off: 7:45 PM
Match Report by Martin Candler.
Manager Justin Edinburgh chose to field a young and inexperienced side in this match and how well they responded. With several 17-year-olds, including brothers Luke and Michael Woodward in the starting line-up, it took a little while for Grays to settle as Braintree dominated the opening exchanges. Chances were few and far between and the Blues cause was not helped when new signing Aaron O‘Connor was withdrawn at half-time with a tight hamstring.
In the 55th minute David Wareham left ex-Blue Dean Bradshaw trailing in his wake and his superb cross was firmly headed home by Ashley Barnes to put Grays in front. Braintree pressed for an equaliser and had a James Baker effort ruled out for offside. Danny Knowles then made a couple of fine saves as Grays refused to buckle and they ran out worthy winners. The only downside was a late injury to Jamie Nelson who was stretchered off following a reckless tackle by Ashley Harewood.
A fine performance then from our youngsters and an interesting semi-final tie with AFC Hornchurch to come.
Grays Athletic: Knowles, Mawer(Nelson 71), Woodward.M, Tandon, Fernandez, Seye, Bodkin, Woodward.L(Comer 84), O'Connor(Barnes 45), Fakolade, Wareham
Subs not used: Spendlove, Cox
Goalscorer: Barnes
Booked: Seye(1), Mawer(35)
Attn: 225
Fans Man of the Match: Woodward.M
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