Thurrock 1-2 Grays Athletic

Blues second preseason friendly resulted in a hard earned victory at Ship Lane writes The Mariner.

Jamie Stuart came out on top against his former manager Mark Stimson in a game played at a high tempo considering the humid conditions.

Thurrock started brightly making all the running in the first period moving the ball at pace with former Blues favourite Glen Poole pulling the strings for the hosts.

The early pressure brought the opening goal on seven minutes when Blues failed to clear the ball keeper Charle Crowley was given no chance with the resultant effort from Joe Christou .

Blues looked disjointed which one could excuse with so many new faces in the team however they stood off their opponents giving them too much time and space on the ball.

Adeyinka Cole came close with a swerving free kick the ball clipping the top of the bar,Daniel Ajakaiye looked lively up front with a sure touch and good pace,Etiene Makanya again made some powerful runs and unleashed a thundering drive that flashed just wide,one feels he will cause opposition defences problems once the season gets underway.

Blues got back on level terms on the stroke of half time when Jake Hutchings powered a header home following a corner.

Both sides made a number of changes at half time with Grays enjoying more possession as they pressed their hosts,probably as a result of some stern words from the manager.

Blues sealed victory with a well taken penalty by the increasingly influential Cole.

So another useful work out with a number of trialists on view and good performances from one or two players already signed to the club. Friendlies are all about sharpening fitness and establishing shape as much as results but two wins in two will give the players a confidence boost.

AFC Hornchurch provide the opposition at Mill Field on Wednesday where more trialists will be in the starting eleven as manager Stuart looks to build his squad for the upcoming season.