Grays Athletic F.C.
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Matches

Grays Athletic 2 Northwich Victoria 1
Sat, August 16, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM

Match Report By Martin Candler

Two stunning strikes gave Grays all three points in a keenly contested encounter at the New Rec.

Northwich started the brighter, passing the ball around neatly; in contrast the Blues only showed in flashes their pre-season fluency and had to dig in to repel their Northern opponents.

In the 13th minute a fierce Matt Bodkin shot was pushed over the bar by Scott Tynan, but the visitors were twice denied by the alert home custodian, Steve Arnold, who first raced off his line to clear from Lee Steel, then tipped a Jimmy Mullan chip over the bar.

In the 30th minute a reckless challenge by Matt Crowell left Jamie Taylor limping, later having to be replaced by Charlie Ide.

Northwich also lost, through injury, the influential defender Michael Welch in the 36th minute and his departure seemed to upset their defensive balance.

Almost immediately Barry Cogan shot straight at Tynan.

Grays took the lead in the 43rd minute when Bailey missed his header, Jamie Taylor‘s shot was blocked on the line by Michael Roberts, the ball eventually coming to Stuart Elliott some 25 yards from goal. His instant, thunderous volley beat Tynan comprehensively to send the Blues into the half-time interval with their tails up.

As the second half progressed the game became more stretched and with Grays perhaps defending a little too deeply, Northwich created two good openings for Mullan and Danny Williams but neither player could take advantage.

Charlie Ide lost control when well placed in front of goal but his tireless running was upsetting the Northwich rearguard.

Ryan Brown then hacked a Sam Sloma effort off the line but Sloma was not to be denied, for in the 66th minute he unleashed a spectacular 35yarder to double the home side‘s advantage.

Northwich responded by using the route one approach, even pushing the tall Bailey up front, and as the pressure mounted a Mullan cross was blasted over by Darryn Stamp from close range.

With five minutes left, Northwich pulled a goal back, Michael Byrne‘s corner headed in by fellow sub Chris Flynn. Ide, Cogan and Danny Kedwell all had good chances before Referee Fletcher blew the final whistle to give the Blues their first League victory of the season.

Grays Athletic: Arnold, Gier, Stuart, Ashton, Gross, Bodkin(Welsh 62), Elliott, Cogan(Bailey 90), Sloma, Taylor(Ide 55), Kedwell
Subs not used: Flitney, Munday

Goalscorers: Elliott(44), Sloma(67)

Booked: Elliott(87)

Ref: R Fletcher

Attn: 523

Match Pictures

Gavin Ellis (TGS Photos):

Steve B: