Hullbridge Sports 0-5 Grays Athletic

The Blues got their pre season underway with a comfortable win over their Essex Seniors League hosts this afternoon at the James Hornsby School Laindon writes The Mariner.

For new manager Jamie Stuart it was his first opportunity to run his eye over his new signings together with a number of trialists in a match situation.Blues were able to field two teams,the first half consisting mainly of players already signed to the club.

It was good to see Joe Tennant line up in the back four, fans will remember him from the end of last season when he joined on loan from Colchester Utd.Alongside Joe was Jake Hutchings ,at right full back was trialist George Pilbeam with Ronnie O’Donnell occupying the left back berth.Behind them was keeper Charlie Crowley again a trialist who looked assured with good handling and distribution.

Harry Watkins lined up in midfield with Siao Blackwood ,Kwabene Osai ,Sam Baffour and Daniel Ajakaie completing the current signings in the starting line up.

Blues eased into a three goal lead in the first period,Baffour opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Ajakale adding a well taken second and another trialist Alvin Macauley slotting home the third.Trialist Etienne Mukanya caught the eye up front with some powerful running.

The second period saw a complete team change made up mainly of trialists, The Master put in a cameo appearance midway through the half and clearly has not lost any of his competitive edge showing his young charges how it should be done.He capped it off with a powerful header from all of 3 yards!Blues added a fifth well worked goal to round off the scoring.

The afternoon proved a good work out,what was clearly evident was the managers commitment and drive, even though this was an exercise in sharpening fitness the players were left in no doubt what will be required of them in the coming months.