Walton Casuals 0 - 4 Grays Athletic

The first half was one to be forgotten, with play being broken up with a number of stoppages, including a couple of bookings. Danny Bunce came on for the injured Joao Carlos midway through the half, and he shot from distance which went harmlessly wide.

Despite some good cross into the area, there was no end product and it was no surprise the half ended goalless.

Stephen Northwood came on for Ali Aksoy at half time as the manager continued with his recent policy of giving the keepers a half each.

Shortly after the restart, the away side carved out a couple of good chances. Jean-Michel Sigere flicked a long ball on for Louis Dennis who shot well, which the keeper saved, before a fine cross from Lee Flynn which Dave Cowley just headed wide. Moments later, Dennis attempted a long range effort from wide left which just went over the bar.

Jason Fontaine and Joe Sweeney replaced Cowley and Dennis respectively on the hour and both had big parts to play as Hayrettin’s side got it right in front of goal.

Sigere beat the offside trap as he chased down a long through ball down the right; he laid it across to Fontaine who shot, only to see the keeper parry it away to Sigere who followed up with a fierce effort which again the keeper saved. Bunce then went on a mazy run through the centre; however his effort from just inside the area went high.

A penalty was awarded when Sigere was nudged in the area, which Sweeney slotted into the bottom left of the goal for his first of pre-season. The lead was doubled minutes later as Fontaine soared down the right before cutting into the area. He played a deft through ball to Harry Agombar who lofted it over the keeper at the near post.

Jared Small came on for Sigere, and he got straight into the game, as his dogged attitude opened up an opportunity just outside the area. He got his shot away, only to see it fly over the bar, however he didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoresheet. He played the ball across to Sweeney, and then followed up the loose ball to make it three.

On the stroke of full time Bunce struck a 25 yard volley which found its way into the net via a deflection to wrap up a convincing win ahead of the new season.

Starting Lineup
Ali Aksoy, Craig Pope, Lee Flynn, Junior Baker, Bradley Thomas, Harry Agombar, Kenny Beaney, Dave Cowley, Joao Carlos, Jean-Michel Sigere, Joe Sweeney.

Subs
Stephen Northwood, Daniel Smith, Danny Bunce, Jason Fontaine, Eljay Worrell, Joe Sweeney, Jared Small.