Grays Athletic 3 Lewes 0 (F.A. Trophy 1st Round)
Sat, December 15, 2007. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
Christmas came two weeks early for Grays at the New Rec on Saturday as they benefitted from two gift goals and a penalty from a Lewes side currently topping the Conference South. Having deservedly taken the spoils in the F.A Cup against the Blues just a few weeks ago, any hopes of a repeat performance were comprehensively denied by a Grays team who are growing in stature by the week. With new signings, Marsio Gaia, Ian Selley and Alan Power settling in well, Grays were superior to the visitors in all departments and in the second half in particular produced some eye-catching football.
In the 8th minute a flicked header on by Aaron O‘Connor was played too short by Jay Conroy back to his keeper, Steven Williams and Danny Kedwell, anticipating well, took the ball round the keeper and slotted home to give Grays the lead. Grays doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Selley, with a peach of a pass, picked out Karl Murray, who was then upended by Dale Binns, O‘Connor scoring from the resultant penalty. Then Ben Watson had his shot saved and Danny Kedwell‘s header went just wide of the post as the Blues took control of the match.
Soon after the resumption, the unfortunate Conroy was undone by a long diagonal ball from Simon Downer; his attempt at a cushioned header only succeeded in eluding the advancing Williams for the alert O‘Connor to tap into the unguarded net. After being booked Conroy‘s miserable afternoon was complete when he was duly substituted! Grays then proceeded to show some pleasing approach play and the only surprise was that there was no further addition to the score. With a powerful back five--- has there ever been a better footballing unit to grace the Blues‘ shirt?,--- a mid-field showing strength and craft and an attack beginning to grow in understanding, Grays fans have every right to look forward to the rest of the season.
Grays Athletic: Flitney, Gaia, Stuart, Downer, O'Connor(Grant 76), Kedwell, Power(Standing 62), Ashton, Murray(Day 70), Selley, Watson
Subs not used: Trebes, Obersteller
Goalscorers: Kedwell(8), O'Connor(pen 23, 49)
Booked: Murray
Attn: 401
Ref: M. McLaughlin
Match Pictures:
Graeme Truby (Official Photographer):
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