Grays deal in Swift justice
The names of Leroy Griffiths, Danny Hayzelden and Freddy Eastwood are becoming legend at The Rec.
Grays’ 4-0 thrashing of Ryman Premier rivals Heybridge Swifts gave Grays fans more to cheer about, Blues dominance was a true team effort, even if the back four had little to-do.
Blues new found confidence stems from Mark Stimson’s professional managerial approach and the arrival of former Hammer Leroy Griffith. Griffiths has slotted into the team like the crucial ‘last piece’ in the jig-saw.
Grays had some good players without him – but with him Blues are beginning to believe the sky’s the limit.
Swifts Neil Cousins was first to attack, twisting and turning in the home side’s box in the 8th. And minutes later Mel Capleton was called upon again and held onto a decent Swifts strike.
But after the opening pressure Grays increased their grip.
Danny Hayzelden teamed up with Freddy Eastwood, producing quality approach play and deft , if occasionally over complicated passing.
The visitors’ Kelechi Opara also showed flashes of brilliance, but when he limped off the rapidly tiring visitors crumbled.
Grays’ long-deserved break-through came two minutes after the break. Griffiths conjured up a one-man special, slipping effortlessly past two defenders and ignoring a square ball option to chip the keeper. As a goal it was two thirds skill, one third downright cheek.
Five minutes later Grays went two up thanks to Martin Carthy, Griffiths was involved again. His right foot delivery to Eastwood looked to be on, but when the resulting shot was smothered by the Swifts keeper, Carthy was there to cannon in the rebound.
Grays scored their third in the 60th. Hayzelden’s high cross-cum shot was grabbed by Swifts orb-thwarter, but he fumbled it badly and Griffiths easily bundled in.
Swifts confidence was shattered. Everyone from Grays was looking to shoot, and if the groundsman’s dog had not been out chasing cats he would have had a go too.
Griffiths, who had taken a slight knock was brought off for Tony Lock and in virtually his first touch he tapped in one from short range after Hayzelden and midfielder Stuart Thurgood had created the play. The score could have been five or even six. And Swifts went home wondering what had hit them.
Speaking after the game and after the obligatory three pitch length warm-down, Mark Stimson praised Blues’ performance.
Despite the tortuously difficult Conference League selection process Stimson has his sight on just one thing, a play-off position.
â€We are aiming at a top 12 finishing place in the league because I believe that we have a good chance of doing wellâ€.
Grays look to be well on the way to this aim, placing sixth in the Premiership. Even more encouraging is the fact that they also have the third best goal difference in the League.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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