50 minutes by car around the M25 into West Essex to The Recreation Ground, home of Grays Athletic. It's easy to lose one's way half a mile from this ground and I did once again. The flats opposite the main stand remind me of that advert on T.V. for B.T. but I think that was filmed at Filbert Street. Nice people and a friendly club. Memories of the end of last season when we suffered 2 league defeats in 3 days against this side who spent much of the season around the relegation zone but were the form team of the division over the last 10 games. This term they lost at Billericay 2-3 on the opening day and beat Braintree 3-0 in the week.
A lot of water has been passed since April. For today, The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal, 3 at the back: Goddard, Brown and Campbell, 5 in the midfield Honeyball, Wraight, Evans, Smith and Rattle; and up front Ansell and Martin. On the bench were Moran, Lineghan and Nabil. In the stand were Bignall and Metcalf (both ihjured), Fenton, Ferguson and a new guy that I didn't recognise.
So. Three at the back. Nobody told the Duo about Bristol City in 1996. It didn't work then and it didn't work today. The midfield looked very crowded
and it was a scrappy first half with Grays on top from early on. On 16 minutes, Grays were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out, the wall was formed but their striker bent the ball slightly into the middle of the goal. I don't understand this wall thing. 1-0. Grays hit the post and then the crossbar and we were poor. Our first shot on target came a few minutes from half-time when Smith hit a super free-kick which was saved by the keeper at full stretch. Ansell, who has had flu all week was replaced by Nabil. H.T. 1-0.
Nabil was a threat and he was fouled in the box 10 minutes into the half. Smith hit a super penalty high to the keeper's right. 1-1. Grays were rattled but we were not really very creative despite 10 minutes of pressure. Moran came on for Honeyball. Grays were threatening in possession and scored when their striker shrugged off Goddard on the edge of the box and gave Wilmot no chance. 2-1. With 7 or 8 minutes remaining, Smith beat his man wide, hit a super cross which was headed back by Goddard to Wraight who scored with a sweet right foot from 15 yards. 2-2 and we had got something from the game. But no. A couple of minutes later, Grays broke from the middle, the ball was crossed and Rainsford struck a volley which seemed to travel to the back of the net in slow motion. Saints pressed through 8 or 9 minutes of injury time but could not come back. F.T 3-2.
Grays impressed me. Douglas. (No 9) is very sharp and the defence, Robinson, Keeper and Sussex in particular is solid. The wide players are quick. I predict top 10. Saints were very disappointing today with only Campbell, Brown, Smith and Nabil emerging from the game with credit. I would guess the crowd to be 380 or so with some 140 Travelling City Faithful.
Entertainment 6/10. Atmosphere 5/10. Technical merit 4/10. Referee 6/10.
Report by Awayday |
