Just before the break, on 44 minutes, Thurrock got the break and goal they needed, a cross came into the box, the keeper and Obamwonyi both jumped for the ball, it dropped kindly for Charlie Stimson at the far post who planted the ball firmly into the net.
GRAYS ATH got back to winning ways with a solid 2-0 victory against Norwich United in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round. The game started quietly in the September heat. Grays played in neat formations across the park but apart from a wayward shot by Jack West they had very little to show.
A double strike by Shane Oakley as well as goals by Lee Sontag and Junior Dadson ensured that Aveley moved to fifth in the league and just two points behind league leaders Waltham Abbey.
Meddings kept his nerve to add the conversion, and grab victory for the visitors, there was still 4 minutes remaining for Thurrock to grab this game back, and when Thurrock’s man of the match Frankie Neale made another fantastic run he chipped ahead, but was blatantly taken out by wing and full back which in amazement to all at the ground went un-penalised as the referee was the only one not to see the incident, Neale would have made the chip ahead but it wasn’t to be, another infringement turned from free kick to penalty as the frustration went through both players and fans.
With the clock ticking down Aveley continue to put the away side under pressure and almost nicked a deserved point with their last attack of the game after Lee Sontag’s half volley from the left took a deflection before being saved brilliantly, low to his right, by Marrable.
However, from somewhere Rocks conjured up increased possession and Newby, who had looked directionless and lost in the first half, began to influence the game. A succession of surging runs threatened to unlock the Cray defence an ten minutes into the half he delivered a peach of a ball to the back post for Collins, who played it into the danger area and Gilbey forced home from close range.
When Anderson Pinto picked up the ball around the half way line he moved unchallenged towards the edge of the box and fired home a fine shot to put the visitors in front.
Antoine almost scored a third, but his shot cannoned back off the post into the hands of Kamurasi, but it was Bryant who sealed the win in injury time as Charge’s shot was deflected into his path, and slotted home.
After the game manager Paul Vaughan said that he was really pleased with the performance and hoped we could push on in the league after two draws. We are suffering injuries and it has been good to blood some youngsters who have not let the side down.
THURROCK put in a fine performance but went down 1-0 to early league leaders, Hampton and Richmond. Thurrock had early chances through Fola Orinlonise inside the first minute. But after that it was batten down the hatches as Hampton held sway.
Dockers show that they will be contenders again. Grays show they have yet to eradicate mistakes of last year. Rocks draw again and Thurrock are competitive.
GRAYS only had themselves to blame as they surrendered a lead to draw 1-1 against Chatham. Grays produced the first attack of the game with a free flowing move that saw Marshall and Sweeney sweep the ball to Joao Carlos whose shot went wide.
Man of the match, Paul Burnett, after the game said “it wasn’t the best of performances from the lads, but it’s job done. We played good in spells, but we could have done a lot more. We’re not happy with our performance, but a win’s a win, clean sheet and we’re through to the next round of the F.A. Cup.”
