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29.07.2006 @ 15:00 The Fans Stadium, Kingsmeadow |
Crowd:
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AFC Wimbledon
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0 - 2
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Grays Athletic
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Grays boss Frank Gray insists he won't be rushed into making signings just to get players in before the new season kicks off.
The Scot admits he needs two or three acquisitions before he is totally satisfied with his squad, but despite Blues' first game of the season being less than two weeks away, Gray says he is in no hurry.
"The transfer window shuts at the end of August and just because the season starts in two weeks we will not rush into signings that don't suit the club," Gray said after his side's 2-0 friendly win over AFC Wimbledon.
"There's a lot of players that we are looking at and we will make a decision in our own time."
Top of Gray's shopping list is two central defenders and he has certainly not been short of options.
Blues have trialled a trio of central defenders in their last three games Jerome Sobers, Jim Sangare and Nathan Moulds and two more, one of which is the former Bournemouth defender, Jason Tindall, will arrive at the club next week.
Ex-Barnet midfielder Dwaine Lee will also join the squad on Monday (31 July) and all three will play some part in Tuesday night's friendly against Wingate and Finchley.
A reserve goalkeeper is also high on Gray's wanted list following the departure of Nicky Eyre who asked to leave the club last week to find first team football.
Ex-Gillingham stopper and East Thurrock United loanee Danny Knowles played a half against Wimbledon on Saturday, making one particularly good save, but Gray will look at two or three other stoppers before making his decision.
On the pitch, Gray's side seems to be coming together with the win over the Dons probably their best pre-season showing.
"It was a good work out," said Gray. "We played some good stuff, particularly in the first half against a decent side. We got another clean sheet and looked sharp. The game died away a bit in the second half when we made a load of substitutions but you expect that."
The first half was indeed a good half. Gray started with a strong starting eleven that, barring two triallists, should be the starting line-up for the first league game of the season.
Aaron McLean and Lee Boylan combined well again while Michael Kightly and Glenn Poole both looked bright. McLean and John Martin got the goals.
Of the two triallists, Ashley Nicholls, who arrives from Darlington, looked strong and purposeful in midfield while Nathan Moulds did well enough at centre half.
The second half saw a sea of changes with only Jamie Stuart seeing out the 90 minutes.
Lewes centre back Sangare shone more than Moulds while Mark Wright looked promising at left back.
Grays: Bayes (Knowles, 55), Sambrook (Mawer, 55), Green (Wright, 55), Stuart, Moulds (Sangare, 55), Nicholls (Williamson, 55), Kightly (Niang, 75), Boylan (Turner, 60), McLean (Slabber 60), Martin (Canham, 55), Poole (Phillips, 60).
By Ryan Goad
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the report.
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