Matches

Match Report By Martin Candler

Grays produced a stirring comeback before the Setanta television cameras to almost rescue a game that looked completely lost at the half-time interval. Not that Grays had performed badly in the first half but uncharacteristic errors in the usually rock-solid defence saw Aldershot enjoy their half-time cup of tea three goals to the good. As early as the 2nd minute, the strong-running Aaron O‘Connor was put clean through and only a well-timed tackle by Rob Gier denied him, Karl Murray, following up, saw his shot blocked. A minute later, disaster for Grays as an under-hit Jon Ashton back-pass was sliced by Ross Flitney, under pressure from ex-Blue, Ben Harding, and the Grays custodian watched in horror as Harding ran on to prod the ball into the net.

Grays however showed commendable resilience in taking the game to their hosts and began to play some pleasing football but once again lacked ruthlessness in front of goal. An indication of their territorial superiority was that they had 10 corners in the match. Although nowhere near their best, League leaders Aldershot made good use of what possession they had and up front the two Grants, Joel and John, and Jonny Dixon were a constant threat with their pace and movement.

The game turned on the five minutes period before the interval when Aldershot scored twice. The first came when Dixon was allowed to make room for himself in the box and his deflected shot beat Flitney; soon after, a flowing move saw Harding put Joel Grant in and his cool finish gave the Shots a three goal advantage at half-time.

In the second half, Grays came out full of vim and vigour and in the 53rd minute Gavin Grant gave the Blues a ray of hope by scoring from close range, profiting from an Ashton knock-down header. With Jack Obersteller given licence to join the attack at every opportunity down the left, Aldershot were stretched at the back, where Rhys Day was outstanding for the home side. Playing neat, progressive football, Grays pegged the homesters back but just could not find the killer touch in front of goal. It was not until the 86th minute that debutant, Luis Cumbers, coming on as sub, reduced the arrears further with a fine volley that clipped Day on its way past Nikki Bull; this after concerted Blues pressure had seen Obersteller hit the post and Gavin Grant‘s driven cross parried away.

Grays threw everything at Aldershot and in the 4th minute of injury time Jamie Stuart, of all people, found himself in space bearing down on goal but his shot flew just wide. So near yet so far! But this was a performance of power and persistence to gladden the hearts of Blues fans and, if a measure of more clinical finishing can be added to the mix, Justin‘s team will give anyone in this division a competitive game.

Grays Athletic: Flitney, Downer, Stuart, Ashton, Obersteller, Grant, Cooksey (Selley 56), Day (Watson 77), Murray, O'Connor, Kedwell (Cumbers 82).
Subs Not Used: Sambrook, Trebes.

Booked: Day, Murray.

Goals: Grant(53), Cumbers(87)

Att: 2034

Ref: B Malone (Wiltshire).

Match Pictures

Gavin Ellis (TGS Photos):

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