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26.04.2008 @ 17:15 Throstle Nest |
Crowd: 379
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Farsley Celtic
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1 - 3
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Grays Athletic
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Referee: J Collin (Liverpool)
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Conference National-Match
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Rory Prendergast (19)
James Knowles (35)
Georges Santos (86)
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Adam Gross (33)
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Grays rounded off the Blue Square Premier season in fine style with a second half flourish to overcome relegated Farsley Celtic.
It would have been understandable if the players looked tired on what was their fourth game in eight days but they started brightly with Barry Cogan and Aaron O'Connor working hard on the flanks.
In the second minute the indomitable Danny Kedwell broke through the Celtic line but blasted his shot over. A few minutes later, he produced a world class turn to outmanoevure the Farsley defence before chipping the ball with the outside of his foot. The ball just cleared the bar.
Farsley were trying but despite hard work by Steohen Torpey and Rory Pendegrast their game just lacked bite.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute. Danny Kedwell latched on to a through ball and gave Iraqi international Amjad Iqbal the brush off. He reached the left of the six yard box and passed neatly across to the the effervescent Jamie Taylor who slotted home his ninth goal in thirteen appearances.
But fatigue did start to become a factor. Players were going up blind alleys or playing too many loose balls. However it still came as a surprise in the 31st minute when Jamie Stuart handled in the box. Stephen Downes stepped up to equalise for the Yorkshire part-timers.
The second half started poorly. Both teams couldn't shake the torpor and most of the entertainment came from the terraces where Farsley's mad supporters and the Blues loyal band stood next to each other in a good-natured sing-off.
The Grays coaches were determined to push the team. Jeff Goulding came on and immediately looked dangerous. The team had changed to three up front and his movement and strength unsettled Farsley. In the 70th minute he latched on to a ball from O'Connor. He bustled to retain the ball in the box but found the gap to sneak the ball past keeper Curtis Aspden.
Farsley summoned the strength for one more attempt to claim a point in the Blue Square Premier. In the 75th minute they had a remarkable three chances to put the ball away as it pinballed around the Blues' area. Stephen Downes hit the post, it came back to Stephen Torpey but his atempt was hit off the line by Adam Gross before the final shot went astray.
The game was finished off in the 78th minute when the three strikers once again combined. This time Jamie Taylor fired across the area to find Kedwell who pounced to end the season with 15 goals.
After the game, boss Mike Woodward, captain Jamie Stuart and top scorer Danny Kedwell reflected on the season.
Woodward said: "70 points is a benchmark that I am pleased with. I'm pleased that the whole team, on and off the pitch have given everything to point the team in the right direction.
"We have much to do but we are determined to make the right signings and retain the right players that will bring the success that Grays deserve."
Stuart said: "It was a real compliment when the fans chanted my name. I always give 110 per cent and always will for Grays Athletic. The defence are especially pleased with their progress and are very grateful to Smudge (Neil Smith) and Tosh (Tim O'Shea) for all their work."
Kedwell said: "I was hoping to get 15 this year. But next year I want to double it. It has all been about confidence. I'm really looking forward to next season."
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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