Matches

Match Report By Martin Candler

With both teams falling at the first hurdle in the F.A Cup this re-arranged fixture enabled Grays to complete their third win in the league in 8 days. Courtesy of a fine strike 7 minutes from time by Ben Watson, the Blues moved up to 11th place in the League, a far healthier position than just a few short weeks ago. Against a Woking side who posed more problems than the vanquished Salisbury outfit last week, Grays put in a thoroughly professional team performance and saw some of the more recent recruits stepping up to the plate. Man-of-the-match Simon Downer oozed class in his unfamiliar full-back position, Jack Obersteller improves with every outing and Ben Watson‘s intelligent running gives Justin a welcome selection dilemma; but, in truth, this was a gritty, hard-working show with every player making a contribution.

Both teams started in determined mood, for Grays, Ernie Cooksey blazed over from 8 yards, Danny Kedwell hit the post, and Obersteller went close with a free-kick. For the Cards, Joe Gatting drew a fine save from Ross Flitney, who was rescued by Downer after flapping at a cross, and soon after Woking had a fair shout for a penalty when Flitney and beanpole striker Marvin Morgan collided in the area.

In the 37th minute Dennis Oli, in what turned out to be his last game in Grays colours, limped off to be replaced by Watson. What a great servant Dennis has been to the Club, we wish him every success in his future career with the Gills.

The second half saw Woking step up the tempo and prompted by skilful mid-fielder, Matt Pattison, took the game to the visitors. For a while Grays struggled to repeat the measured passing game of the opening 45 minutes, resorting to the long ball a little too readily. But apart from an unchallenged header from the impressive Tom Hutchinson which was cleared off the line by that man Downer, Grays defended well and began to find their rhythm again as the game entered its final stages.

With Watson providing pace and guile on the right, Grays took the lead in the 87thminute. Hutchinson was hustled off the ball by Karl Murray and Aaron O‘Connor, Murray laying the ball off to Watson whose instant, clinical shot gave Woking‘s teenage keeper Ross Worner no chance. At the final whistle, the whole Grays team went over to acknowledge the 105 travelling supporters and celebrated a deserved victory with them.

Grays Athletic: Flitney, Downer, Ashton, Stuart, Obersteller, Oli (Watson 34), Murray, Day, Cooksey, Kedwell (Grant 89), O'Connor.
Subs Not Used: Trebes, Gross, Marshall.

Booked: Downer, Day.

Goalscorer: Watson 83.

Att: 1188

Ref: A Turner (Exeter).

Match Pictures:

Graeme Truby (Official Photographer):

Forthcoming fixtures