Exeter City 1 Grays Athletic 0
Sat, October 6, 2007. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
A first half strike by Richard Logan proved decisive in a disappointing encounter at the other St. James Park. The home side started brightly enough, Logan muscling past Andy Sambrook and Jon Ashton before a last-gasp block by Jack Haverson averted the danger. Not to be denied, in the 10th minute, a teasing Adam Stansfield cross was thrashed into the net by the persistent Logan to give the Grecians the lead. But perhaps mindful of the fact that they have drawn five out of six of their home games, Exeter seemed to go into their shell. Led by skipper Stuart Thurgood, Grays took the initiative and both Aaron O‘Connor and Gavin Grant went close. Grays had three corners in quick succession, all taken by Thurgood, but the home defence somehow kept the Blues at bay. A fine glancing header by O‘Connor was tipped over by the excellent Andy Marriott and a good move involving Thurgood, O‘Connor and Grant saw the latter scuff his shot wide when well-placed.
However, there were few clear-cut chances in the game and after the resumption the match became decidedly scrappy with both sides guilty of sloppy passing and aimless long balls. For their part, the Blues could not produce any momentum in mid-field as Thurgood faded and up front Craig Mcallister looked out of sorts. Paul Tinsdale‘s side seemed nervy, their main aim being to hold on to their lead. In the 74th minute Exeter‘s Jamie Mackie shot wide but late in the game, sub Ben Watson drew a fine save from Marriott to deny Grays an equaliser. 18 year-old loanee from Peterborough, Alfie Potter came on for his debut but blotted his copybook with a booking for unsporting behaviour, but, in truth, by then Grays seemed resigned to defeat and Exeter content to see the game out.
This defeat means that Grays have taken just five points from their last eight matches, but Justin and his staff remain convinced that they have enough talent within their squad to turn things around and feel that a couple of wins will kick-start their season.
Grays Athletic: Flitney, Sambrook, Haverson, Ashton (Hearn 65), Gross, Grant, Murray, Thurgood, Oli (Potter 63), O'Connor (Watson 69), McAllister.
Subs Not Used: Knowles, Cooksey.
Booked: Potter.
Attn: 2783
Ref: B Malone (Wiltshire).
|
