Grays Ath manager Mark Stimson took a look at a host of new players in Saturday’s friendly against Essex Senior League opposition, Buckhurst Hill. And with more composure in front of goal, Blues should have run out comfortable winners.

Both sides had early chances. Danny Sambridge was called into action early with a smart save and at the other end, Aron Gordon came close to opening the scoring. Debutant right back Inesh Sumithran was seeing a lot of the ball and fellow newcomer Chris Miller came close when his long range effort came back off the post.

Rob Clark and Mitch Hahn both tried their luck from distance and Aron Gordon again worked the visitors’ keeper, Alex Reed. But despite dominating possession, Grays couldn’t find the opening.

The second half saw a slew of changes all round, with Grays changing their full line-up, giving manager, Stimpson, the chance to look at further options. Blues continued to have most of the ball and only some excellent last-ditch challenges prevented Blues taking the lead. There were also times when Blues tried to play one pass too many rather than taking the shot. Buckhurst Hill created some half chances of their own late on, but Callum Leahy, on after the break, marshalled his colleagues well.

So a stalemate at the end of the day, but these games are more about what the manager learns than the actual outcome.

We wish Buckhurst Hill well for the coming season.

Final Score: Grays Athletic 0 v 0 Buckhurst Hill

Grays Ath starting XI : Sambridge, Sumithran, Joynes, L.Clark, Winn, Hahn, Gordon, R.Clark, Miller, Stimpson, Logan