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Matches

Grays Athletic 2 West Ham XI 1 (Pre Season Friendly)
Sat, August 2, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM

Match Report By Martin Candler

A late strike by Charlie Ide gave Grays a deserved victory over a youthful West Ham side.

With Premiership stars Matthew Etherington and Lee Bowyer starting, the visitors played some eye-catching football, but Grays proved yet again that they can play the sweet stuff too! In the 16th minute, a fine run and cross by Ishmael Welsh, what a good signing he could prove to be, found the head of Ide but his effort flew wide.

Zavon Hines, both elusive and irascible, was then caught by Steve Arnold as he advanced into the box but despite heated Hammers claims for a penalty, referee Mr. Jerden would have none of it.

More trickery from Welsh gave Barry Cogan a chance but he shot wide.

In the 39th minute, a saving tackle on Hines by Rob Gier was adjudged a penalty although it seemed a less deserving shout than the one earlier. Nevertheless Hines dispatched the penalty with little fuss to put the Hammers in front.

Grays responded well and on the stroke of half-time, that man Welsh beat two defenders, exchanged passes with Ide, before slotting home the equaliser.

The second half began with Ide, growing in confidence, finding Matt Bodkin with a great diagonal pass but the winger shot wide.

Mark Moseley, Danny Kedwell and Alex Campana were introduced and Grays continued to attack the visitors‘ goal with skill and pace.

Ide had two good opportunities but couldn‘t quite hit the target. However, Hines should have scored in the 82nd minute when clean through, Arnold saving well.

After another flowing move, Molesley volleyed straight at keeper Adam Street. The Blues were now pressing hard for the winner and it came in the 89th minute.

A thrilling passing movement involving Stefan Bailey and Kedwell saw Ide sliding in at the far post to give Grays the spoils. A thoroughly convincing performance from a Blues squad who seem to be getting stronger by the match.

Grays Athletic: Arnold, Geir, Stuart, Ashton, Gross, Bodkin, Elliott, Cogan, Welsh, Taylor, Ide. Subs: Woolley, Sloma, Moseley, Kedwell, Davis, Campana, Bailey

Goalscorers Welsh(45), Ide(89)

Referee: Mr.G.Jerden

Attn: 1372