Grays Ath 2 v 1 AFC Hornchurch
GRAYS enjoyed a good work out as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Conference South outfit AFC Hornchurch.
The game started quietly as both teams found their feet. The first chance came for the Urchins in the 9th minute when Martin Tuohy found himself in space. He chipped Lamar Johnson but the ball went just wide.
In the 17th minute, Lewis Smith hit the post.
Early on, the gulf in class was clear but this was just the type of workout that Grays needed.
In the 20th minute, the impressive Luke Marshall broke free on the left, got the ball to the dead ball line, but none of the players could latch onto the cross.
In many ways, this felt like the first proper pre-season game for the Blues. There is a concern that the club may be a little under-cooked but there was no evidence of this.
In the 32nd minute, Leon Lalite put in a lovely diagonal ball to Luke Marshall. It came to nothing but it illustrated the ball skills the team possessed.
Hornchurch had another chance in the 38th minute but the attacks were marked out by a degree of ponderousness by the Blues defence.
Ex-Blues Sam Cutler was as effective as when he played for Grays. Her got into a great position and just had Johnson to beat but side-footed it straight at him.
The opening goal came out of nowhere when the ball bounced innocently on Grant Coopers arm. Taking advice from the linesmen, the referee, Mr Monk point to the spot. Martin Tuohy stroked the spot kick home.
Grays soon equalised as Jake Hall was flattened by a defender in the box. Jack West scored from the spot.
Now we know it is a bit early for goal of the season candidates but in the 75th minute, Joao Carlos strolled from the wing into the centre of midfield and from thirty-five yards out produced a dipping, swirling shot that sailed past ex-Thurrock keeper Joe Woolley.
Grays Ath: Johnson L, Pope C, Flynn L, Kirby R , Carlos J, West J, Marshall L, Hall J, Lalite L, Beaney K, Cooper G
Subs used: East D, Baker J, Scarlett T, Sweeney J
“gulf in class”? must have been watching a different game,any neutral would have been hard pressed to decide who were the Conference South side.The blues played a passing game with Hornchurch relying on route one.