Grays’ long trip to Wales on Wednesday evening produced a good win for Mark Stimson’s boys.
Grays were fast starting and Dennis Oli’s right wing sprint resulted in a cross to Leroy Griffiths whose shot drew a great save from the home keeper. Grays took the lead on the half hour with Oli the creator, causing chaos in the home defence and Griffiths there with the final tap in.
Newport offered little threat other than a distance shot from Darren Jones that caused momentary unease for the visiting defence.
On the second half restart Grays maintained the tempo with Stuart Thurgood, Griffiths and Dean Brennan all coming close.
Grays boss Mark Stimson made a change, bringing on Vill Powell for Mitchell Cole and he made an immediate impact, notching Grays’ second goal from an acute angle after more good work from Oli.
Surprisingly, the second Grays goal inspired Newport more than the Blues and the home side lifted their game and a goal back through Sam O’Sullivan.
That prompted another Grays change, 16-year-old Gary Hooper coming on for Oli and the youngster made an immediate impact, netting from close range after getting on the end of a cross from Griffiths.
It became a real night to remember for the teenager soon after when he got on the end of another cross, this time from Powell, to wrap up the scoring with 15 minutes remaining.
Thanks to The Thurrock Gazette for the report.
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