Grays Athletic 1 Leyton Orient 0 (Pre-Season Friendly)
Sat, August 4, 2007. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
Recent signing, Jack Haverson, came off the bench to score the only goal of a keenly-contested game at a sweltering New Rec. and maintain the Blues‘ impressive pre-season unbeaten run. Although it was a match offering few clear-cut chances, neither side gave an inch but it was the home side who overall just held the edge. Towering performances from Jon Ashton, Jamie Stuart and, in particular, man-of-the match, Charlie Hearn, saw Grays provide a stern test for their League 1 opponents although up front,Aaron O‘Connor and Danny Kedwell were given limited opportunities to show their skills. However, with Andy Sambrook, Dennis Oli and Ernie Cooksey lending solid support, the Blues could afford to give their exciting young wingers, Mark Marshall and, later in the match, James Lawson, a chance to bed into the squad and also encouragement to run at the Orient defence.
The best chance of the first half fell to Stuart who in the24th minute was cleverly picked out from a free-kick taken by Hearn but his powerful header flew over the bar. Orient were industrious rather than threatening and their muscular front men, Wayne Gray and Jabo Ibehre were well- marshalled by an impressive Grays rearguard which gives hope that last year‘s defensive frailties have now been addressed.
The second half saw Grays increase the tempo and impose their game on the O‘s and, prompted by the ubiquitous Hearn, their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute. From a Hearn corner kick, 19 year-old ex-Ipswich central defender, Jack Haverson, glanced a deft header onto the far post and referee Mr. Fred Graham deemed that the ball had crossed the line before being cleared.
Orient responded with gusto and in a flowing move the home defence was carved open only for the unfortunate John Melligan to mis-kick horribly with the open goal at his mercy. Grays continued to push forward and after sustained pressure, Marshall unleashed a thunderous 30-yard drive which flew just over the bar. After the game Justin said he was pleased with the attitude of his players and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Grays Athletic: Flitney, Sambrook, Stuart, Day(Gross), Oli(Lawson), O'Connor, Kedwell(McAllister), Cooksey, Ashton(Haverson), Marshal, Hearn
Goalscorer: Haverson
Ref: F. Graham
Attn: 721
matchday pictures supplied courtesy of GAFC Photographer Graeme Truby
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