Matches

Match Report By Martin Candler

Despite conceding an early goal the Blues showed fine resilience to battle back and claim a deserved equaliser in the second half at the impressive Nene Park Stadium. On their journey home they were left to reflect that with a little more of a cutting edge in front of goal, they could easily have bagged all three points.

With Jack Haverson making his debut, replacing the suspended Jamie Stuart, Grays were put on the back foot in the opening exchanges, as Rushden pressed for the early breakthrough. It came in the 9th minute when Simeon Jackson made space and cracked a sweet low drive past Ross Flitney from fully 25 yards out. Perhaps he should have been closed down quicker by the Blues defence but they kept their composure and in attack, Gavin Grant and Dennis Oli both had chances.

The first half ended with the withdrawal of the luckless Haverson with a head wound, being replaced after the resumption by Charlie Hearn, Andy Sambrook moving inside to partner the outstanding Jon Ashton, himself a former Rushden player, and Karl Murray dropping to right back.

These changes seemed to work as Hearn‘s passing skills complimented Stuart Thurgood‘s drive in mid-field, the skipper having a solid game as he strives to regain proper match fitness.

The Blues began to dominate the game and Garry Hill‘s side looked increasingly short of ideas, although the introduction of sub Marcus Kelly did give them some impetus down the left flank.

In the 58th minute, Curtis Osano felled the industrious Ernie Cooksey, restored to the team after suspension, and from Thurgood‘s fierce free-kick on the left-hand edge of the penalty area, Paul Bastock could only palm the ball out; the alert Karl Murray was first to react and he buried the ball into the back of the net to level the scores.

Rushden sub Michael Malcolm wasted a good opportunity when set up by Kelly but it was Grays who looked the more likely to score in a game, in truth, of few clear-cut chances. At least on the second half showing, the Blues can point to signs that a more balanced team pattern is emerging as the new recruits begin to settle; time will tell!

In view of recent events, mention must be made of trepidation felt at the start of the match by the travelling support that referee Mr Wrigglesworth, in his 7 games officiating last season, issued 21 yellow cards and 3 reds! However, it can be said that on the night he gave an impeccable display of even-handedness and common sense.

Grays Athletic: Flitney, Sambrook, Haverson(Hearn 46), Ashton, Cooksey, Thurgood, Murray, Marshall(Lawson 59), Oli, Grant(O'Connor 82), Kedwell
Subs not used: Knowles, McAllister

Goalscorer: Murray(58)

Ref: R Wigglesworth

Attn: 1345

Forthcoming fixtures