Matches

Match Report By Michael Casey (Thurrock Gazette)

IT wasn‘t pretty but it was certainly effective as Grays bagged three points in this Blue Square Premier clash at Stafford.

Grays were acutely aware that they had gone three games without scoring but started the game with a series of well structured moves as Charley Hearn and Stuart Thurgood continued the good work from Tuesday‘s goalless draw with Oxford.

Gavin Grant started up front as Aaron O‘Connor and Danny Kedwell dropped to the bench. Grant continued to look sharp and he needed to be, as former Blue Jermaine Sangare was in fine form in defence.

In the fourth minute, Hearn went close on two occasions and looked keen to link up with the attack.

However, as Grays pressed at one end it was surprising that each member of the visiting defence struggled to get to grips with the Stafford attackers on the break. Adaggio did his best to disturb the defence's rhythm while Neil Grayson‘s energy was remarkable for a man of 43.

But in the first half each one of the back four made a series of unforced errors most notably Andy Sambrook who was lucky in the 10th minute not to be punished more after letting Grayson through.

As the half wore on, Grays struggled to find their rhythm. After their good start, Thurgood‘s radar continued to be off, frustrating the skipper greatly and Hearn started to become a peripheral figure.

But Dennis Oli was working really hard and determined to link up with equally industrious Grant.

It was difficult to see a goal coming but in the 32nd minute Charley Hearn sent over a sublime free kick from the left hand side. Jamie Stuart stormed in to the area determined to head the ball on and his presence was enough to ruffle keeper Alcock who missed the ball entirely as it floated into the net.

Grays‘ relief was palpable and they started to play with flourish and style while Stafford‘s part-timers, without a win all season, were cursing their luck.

Worse was to come for the home side. Oli topped off an excellent half in the 46th minute with an excellent pin point pass that cut through the defence. The speedy Grant latched on and the shot bounced over the hapless Alcock.

Stafford burst out of the blocks in the second half. In the first ten minutes McNiven, Flynn and Adaggio all had gilt-edged chances but were foiled by an impressive Ross Flitney who, dodgy kicking aside, has been a totemic presence in the Grays goal.

The defence had returned to their authoritative self by now but it was the midfield who found it hard to find any fluency. Karl Murray struggled on the right hand side. His levels of energy were woeful. The right flank needed a speedy winger like James Lawson, not a player clearly unable to work up and down the line.

Stafford tried everything and certainly didn‘t give up. Subs Stones and Street had free headers but they looked like a team who know where they are heading.

Grays continued to try and score a third but found themselves offside on far too many occasions. O‘Connor came on but couldn‘t find a way through.

As the final whistle blew Grays players congratulated each other, pleased with the four points gathered in the week that have seem them rise back up to eigth place.

After the match boss Justin Edinburgh reflected on the game.

He said: “I‘m delighted that we have continued to produce excellent results away from home.

Getting back on the score sheet was very important and I was especially pleased that Gavin Grant did so.

“This is a young squad who have gelled really well and are keen to learn their craft.

“If we can get back to last year‘s home form then I am confident of the future.”

Grays Athletic: Flitney, Sambrook, Stuart, Ashton, Gross, Grant (O'Connor 78), Hearn, Thurgood, Oli, McAllister (Watson 90), Murray
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Kedwell, Lawson

Booked: Sambrook(72 Unsporting Behaviour), Thurgood(86 Dissent)

Goalscorers: Hearn(35), Grant(45)

Attn: 649

Ref: D Mohareb (England)

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