Ryman Premier
Grays Athletic 1 v 1 Hendon
A CALAMITOUS own goal gave Grays Athletic a share of the points against a durable Hendon on the opening day of the season at Mill Field.
Grays made a very lively start with neat interplay between Nathan Ferguson and Joao Carlos.
Hendon had the first real chance when Bettache broke free but his shot was palmed away by Lamar Johnson.
Grays looked very comfortable on the ball with Brad Tomlinson showing some great close control.
But it was Hendon who opened the scoring. In the 15th minute, big unit Aaron Morgan shook off Jay Leader and curled the ball round the Grays’ keeper.
Grays were rattled and were struggling to find their rhythm. They were also giving away far too many fouls.
The first half for Grays could be summed up as Tomlinson finds space but could not find that final ball or pass. Hendon meanwhile absorbed the pressure nicely.
Grays came out of the traps in the second half and had three good chances in the first five minutes. A Tommy Cummings corner flashed across the five-yard box as Grays signalled their intent to play at a higher tempo.
The game got tetchier and Grays chances became scrappier but not as scrappy as the Grays equaliser in the 67th minute when Hendon defender Flegg’s volleyed clearance spun backwards and into the net!
Grays got over-excited and could have gone behind again as they were suckered on the break and it took a great point blank save from keeper Lamar Johnson to get them out of trouble.
Grays regained their composure and became a much more assured attacking and defending outfit. Although, they never really looked like scoring and despite the odd skirmish, Hendon never really had a shot on target.
But you had the feeling that both managers went away feeling a point will do.
Grays Athletic return to action on Tuesday night against Tonbridge Angels.
Grays Ath: Joseph-Johnson L, Cummings T, Siva J, Cronin S, Leader J, Stevens J, Michael-Pircell R (Reynolds L 68), Beaney K, Fortnam-Tomlinson B, Ferguson N, Carlos J
Subs not used: Little G, Bentley M, Ifill L, Douglas G,
Hendon: Wright J, Dhiedhou D, Flegg S, Wharton R, Tingey L, Short R (Harris C 63), DaCosta A ( Cass J 74),, Morgan A, Schulton S, Bettache M, O’Leary L,
Subs not used: Taggart T, Kuehn C, Minter M
