Grays star unlocks the defence
Grays Athletics’ plans to mix experienced players with promising youngsters recruited from the Football League got off to a solid start at The Rec on Saturday when they opened the season with a 1-1 home draw aga9inst a Bedford side expected to be among the Premier pacemakers.
An entertaining affair saw Mark Stimson’s Grays o close early on when ex-West Ham youngster Freddy Eastwood lobbed visiting goalkeeper Ian Brown, only for the effort to hit the post and bounce back into the keeper’s arms.
Ram Marwa was another who did well early on for Grays with two good efforts, one of which also hit the woodwork.
Only a fine double save from home keeper Mel Capleton prevented Darren Lynch and Liam Folds from scoring for Bedford, but it was Grays who took the lead four minutes into the second half.
A hopeful ball down the middle saw an under hit back pass collected by ex Colchester striker Tony Lock, back at The Rec after a break, and he opened the scoring.
Lock should have made it 2-0 when he shot wide after being setup in great style by Eastwood and this miss gave Bedford new heart.
Lynch hit the post 16 minutes from time but the visitors earned a share of the spoils when a through ball caused confusion between Capleton and Ade Olayinka and substitute Drew Roberts shot home.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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