Matches

Match Report By Martin Candler

Grays turned in an exhilarating performance against Steve Bull‘s struggling Stafford side with a compelling display of pace and movement. The Blues ripped into their opponents from the off and in the 5th minute, Danny Kedwell‘s smart turn and cross was clinically dispatched past visiting keeper, Danny Alcock, by the alert Jamie Taylor to open Grays‘ account. Alcock then turned over Kedwell‘s chip before in the 21st minute the marauding Adam Gross was upended in the box, Kedwell converting the penalty for his 11th goal of the season.

Stuart Thurgood, having his best game since his return to the colours, linked well with the tireless Neil McCafferty in mid-field and after constant Grays pressure, Barrie Cogan made it three in the 26th minute with a fine curling shot past Alcock.

In the second half, Grays continued to open up the Stafford defence , but only a combination of over-eager shooting and fine goal-keeping prevented further scoring until a double strike in the 62nd and 67th minutes showed a more realistic reflection of the game.

Firstly after a stunning passing movement, Jamie Taylor was put in for his second of the match and then Cogan claimed his brace after an incisive run and cross-cum shot by Aaron O‘Connor. The home crowd was treated to some sumptuous skills involving back-heels, clever triangles and subtle flicks but keeper Alcock thwarted the Grays attack with some fine saves and could lay claim to the man-of-the-match award. But, in truth, this was Grays‘ night and that accolade must go to the Grays team as a whole. They played with a freedom and penetration sadly missing for much of a roller-coaster season. A consolation 74th minute goal by Stafford‘s Damion Jarratt, heading home a Ishmale Reid cross, completed the evening‘s scoring.

After the match coach Neil Smith singled out Jamie Taylor for his contribution and also praised a “masterclass of left side play by Barrie Cogan and Adam Gross” Is it too late to mount a late challenge for a play-off place? Probably. But it should be fun finding out!

Grays Athletic: Eyre, Gross, Stuart, Downer, Thurgood, O'Connor (Barnes 81), Kedwell (Goulding 46), Ashton (S.Taylor 38), Cogan, McCafferty, J.Taylor.
Subs Not Used: Whincup, Senghore.

Goalscorers: J.Taylor(7,63), Kedwell(24 pen), Cogan(27,68)

Stafford Rangers: Alcock, Sutton, Daniel, Flynn (Arnolin 36), Gibson (Dodd 70), Draper, Mawene (Jarrett 70), Loukes, Reid, Smith, Wellecomm.
Subs Not Used: Allen, Hopkinson.

Goalscorer: Jarrett(75).

Booked: Gibson.

Attn: 512

Ref: R Whitton (Essex).

Match Pictures

Graeme Truby(Official Photographer):

Gavin Ellis (TGS Photo):

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