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Matches

Grays Athletic 1 Gillingham 0 (Pre Season Friendly)
Sat, July 19, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM

Match Report By Martin Candler

For the opening friendly fixture at home, there was plenty for home fans to enjoy as Grays deservedly beat their Football League neighbours from across the Thames. The summer signings and triallists blended surprisingly well as the Blues shook off the close season rust to display some pleasing football. Last season‘s partnerships of Jamie Stuart and Jon Ashton in defence and Danny Kedwell and Jamie Taylor in attack showed an understanding that augurs well for the season ahead.

Mark Moseley and Ismael Welsh stood out among the new signings and goalie, Joe Woolley, ex-Watford Alex Campana and the veteran Fabian Willnis also caught the eye.

After Stuart Elliott had seen his fierce drive fly over the bar, in the 27th minute, Rob Gier fluffed his back-pass to put Gary Mulligan clear in front of goal; however, Mulligan dwelt too long on the ball and Woolley, staying on his feet till the last moment, dived to smother the ball and save his defender‘s blushes.

Five minutes later, a flowing Grays attack resulted in a corner which Sam Sloma curled to the far post to be met by a firm header by Grays‘ talisman, Danny Kedwell, past the despairing dive by Gills keeper, Simon Royce. The Blues began to take a grip on the game and despite the usual multiple substitutions, were the better side throughout. For some reason, referee Mr Graham refused to let Jamie Stuart back on the field when John Munday sustained a second half injury but even with 10 men for some minutes, Grays looked in control. The only moment of danger came in the 83rd minute when Taylor Thomas wriggled free on the right and crossed for Simeon Jackson to head over the bar.

With challenging home friendliest to come against Charlton and West Ham, Grays fans will have ample opportunity to guage the strengths and weaknesses of the promising squad that our Leader and his coaches have assembled.

Grays Athletic: Woolley, Gier, Willnis, Stuart, Sloma, Bodkin, Elliott, Cogan, Campana, Kedwell, Taylor
Subs: Arnold, Davis, Ashton, Munday, Welsh, Bailey, Molesley, Bartram, Ide, Gross

Goalscorer: Kedwell

Ref: F. Graham

Attn: 425