Matches

Match Report By Martin Candler

Athough touched by sadness, this match in front of the Setanta television cameras provided lively entertainment for those present at the New Rec. Droylesden, although virtually relegated, contributed royally to a very open game by showing commendable attacking intent throughout. In a fast and furious opening, Grays had two early chances, Scott Taylor firing over and Marlon Patterson shooting just wide, before Danny Kedwell opened the scoring with a peach of a goal in the 10th minute.

Incisive approach play by Adam Gross and Taylor put Patterson away on the left and his whipped cross was thundered home on the volley by a jubilant Kedwell. However, Droylesden responded just two minutes later when the persistent Dale Johnson headed home a Lee Roche cross. For once the Blues‘ usually so alert defence was badly caught out. In the 28th minute, the impressive Neil McCafferty was stretchered off, to be replaced by Michael Standing, and for a while Grays seemed to lose their attacking shape.

At the half time interval the crowd were entertained by a penalty competition by the under-8‘s, the plaudits going to Jake and Jamie who won their respective categories. The second half saw the Bloods have a fair shout for a penalty against Simon Downer rejected by referee Mr.G.Sutton, as Grays struggled to regain their first half rhythm. The introduction of Jamie Taylor in the 59th minute gave the Blues attacking impetus they needed and within three minutes Grays were in front. Stuart Thurgood released Kedwell and the striker‘s sweet drive from 20 yards unerringly found the corner of Paul Phillips‘ net. Droylesden, however, continued to press and only a smart double save by Nicky Eyre prevented them from reducing the arrears. Jamie Taylor was so unlucky in the 80th minute when he anticipated a back pass by a Droylesden defender and cleverly improvised by flicking the ball over the advancing keeper, the ball thudding against the bar and eventually being cleared to safety. The match was settled in the 86th minute when sub Barry Cogan found himself in front of goal and scored his first goal for the club, albeit at the second attempt. A performance then with some pleasing brio and invention interspersed with periods in the match which lacked direction and cohesion; but still a game with plenty enough incident and skill to send Blues fans home in good heart.

The game was dedicated to Stifford Clays teenager Katie Johnson, who tragically lost her life on the A13 last month, along with Purfleet‘s Georgia Drummond. Katie‘s dad Brian, coach of Grays‘ under-8 Tigers, and his two children led the teams out before releasing a balloon dedicated to “The Pink Princess” into the night sky. Our thoughts are with the Johnson family.

Grays Athletic: Eyre, Downer, Ashton, Stuart, Gross, McCafferty (Standing 30), O'Connor, S.Taylor (J.Taylor 59), Thurgood, Patterson (Cogan 73), Kedwell
Subs Not Used: Whincup, Day

Booked: Downer

Goalscorers: Kedwell 11, 64, Cogan 87

Droylsden: Phillips, Roche, Halford (Cryan 60), Strong, Newton, McGuire, Mackin, Murtagh (Burberry 46), Johnson (Lynch 82), Fearns, Denham
Subs Not Used: Waite, Mumror.

Booked: Mackin

Goalscorer: Johnson 14

Attn: 862

Ref: G Sutton (Lincolnshire)

Graeme Truby (Official Photographer):

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