Ryman Div One North
Grays Ath 3 v 0 Redbridge
GRAYS ATHLETIC reinforced their play-off credentials with a stylish and entertaining victory against Redbridge at Rush Green Stadium.
One of Grays’ first challenges was getting used to the pitch that was cutting up very early on.
In the 7th minute, Nikki Beale scythed down Jeff Hammond. As he was the last man, he was lucky to just receive a yellow card. Lee Flynn drove the free kick into the wall.
The key part to the game was whether Jared Small could deliver the key balls for Jeff Hammond.
In the 9th minute, Redbridge conceded a penalty when Joao Carlos was brought down. Danny Bunce made no mistake from the spot.
But was this the Redbridge who shipped eleven against Heybridge or drew with leaders Maldon?
Grays were looking hungry: a Kenny Beaney shot was charged down by Shane Lemard.
Our answer to the Jared Small question was answered in the 19th minute when he rose at the near post to head in a Danny Bunce cross.
Grays had a great chance to make it 3-0 when Jared Small sprinted past the defence, played it square to Jeff Hammond but the Motorman defence managed to scramble it away for a corner.
This was a half when all the quiet men of Grays were going about their business: Leon Lalite, Kenny Beaney, Ryan Kirby were all putting in a diligent shift.
The first half finished with a flourish as Grays went close on a number of occasions.
Grays went further ahead just after the break when Jared Small put Jeff Hammond through on the right of the penalty area and the swift striker sneaked the ball past keeper Dean Neil.
In the 52nd minute, Joao Carlos unleashed a fantastic shot that hammered against the Redbridge post.
With Maldon scoring freely against Harlow, Grays tried to increase the lead.
Leon Lalite blasted the ball over, whilst rangy sub Brian Moses nearluy parted the red goal with a far post header.
Junior Baker produced another trademark run that deserved better than to see the ball fly past the post.
Grays now move on to Harlow Town on Tuesday at 7.45pm.
Grays Ath: Johnson L, Pope C, Baker J, Kirby R, Flynn L, Lalite L, Beaney K, Bunce D (Moses B 67), Carlos J (Subola D 70), Hammond J, Small J (Fry D 81)
Subs not used: Sweeney J, West J
