Grays warm up for Hammers with Casuals goal fest

Graysâ€™ run of victories in pre-season matches continued on Tuesday evening in a high-scoring encounter against their Ryman Division One South hosts.

Jon Ashton opened the scoring with a powerful header on 20 minutes but Casuals drew level just four minutes later when Steve Douglas flicked on Gary Meakin's near post corner for Steve Tyson to head home.

And four minutes later Casuals went ahead when Douglas was bought down in the area and Chris Kiganda converted the penalty.

Five minutes before the interval Grays drew level when Charlie Ide was gifted a free header from close range.

Just before the hour mark Grays went ahead again when Gary Meakin put the ball in his own net and then Charlie Ide produced an overhead kick for Graysâ€™ fourth on 70 minutes.
To their credit Casuals kept battling and were rewarded when sub Matt Weston finished off a good move on 80 minutes.

It was Grays who were to have the last word when Ishmael Welch completed the nightâ€™s scoring in the final minute from close range after being set up by Ide.

With four wins, two draws and 16 goals in their warm-up campaign Grays will be in high spirits for their last friendly on Saturday when they entertain West Ham at the New Rec (3pm) in their last friendly before the Blue Square Premier season starts in earnest on August 9 with a trip to Weymouth.

One man who wonâ€™t be taking part in Grays colours will Jeff Goulding as Grays have decided against taking up the option to sign the striker from Fisher Athletic.

Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report

Grays Starting Lineup:
Joe Woolley
Rob Gier
Jamie Stuart
Jon Ashton
Adam Gross
Alex Campana
Barry Cogan
Stefan Bailey
Sam Sloma
Matt Bodkin
Danny Kedwell
Charlie Ide

Subs Used
Kenny Davis
Jamie Taylor
Stuart Elliot
Mark Haines
Ishmael Welsh