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Youngsters combine late on to give Dark’s Grays winning start to pre-season

New season, new manager, new kit - though it was the same result for Grays. Lewis Dark’s side secured a late win against landlords Aveley in their opening pre-season fixture. Dark’s new additions began the 2022/23 campaign with energy and enthusiasm, but it was academy player Dhillon Sandhu-Nelson who came off the bench to score his first senior goal in a late 2-1 victory.

Grays started the better side and had an early chance when Josh Osude latched onto a long ball by Macauley Joynes, but his lob over the outrushing goalkeeper went just over the bar. However, it was a neat chip that put Grays ahead. New captain Lewis Clark’s ball over the top was met by Sam Bantick, who turned his man and lifted a left-footed shot over the keeper to score a debut goal for the club. Grays led at the interval thanks to two excellent Danny Sambridge saves.

Isthmian Premier champions Aveley changed their full eleven at half time, switching from a red kit to royal blue. Yet it was Grays who went closest as Bantick’s free kick from 25 yards hit the post. Aveley then went close as their No.12 rounded substitute goalie Sam Griek, but missed a great opportunity with an open goal ahead of him. Aveley’s No.12 did finally level the scores when the ball was played to him inside the box and he slotted it past Griek to make the score 1-1.

With just minutes remaining, Grays’ young substitutes combined to score a classy winner. Juan Cordona picked the ball up on the right and played a pinpoint cross along the ground to fellow U23 Sandhu-Nelson. The youngster opened up his body and guided the ball in the far corner with his first time strike sealing a perfect start to Dark’s reign.