Three goals from Freddy Eastwood kept Grays’ FA Cup dreams burning bright on Saturday.
Hendon hardly knew what hit them. The first goal came out of a clear blue sky with less than 90 seconds gone. Danny Hayzelden’s corner was connected by Eastwood, and it put still-settling in an optimistic frame of mind.
Grays passing game was too much for the visitors who were struggling to cope with runs from in-form Stuart Thurgood and Leroy Griffiths. Griffiths and Martin Carthy were sparking off each other too.
Hendon struggled to find any form in the first and when Hayzelden was adjudged to have been brought down in the area it was Eastwood who stepped up, kept his footing and made it 2-0 in the 44th.
Hendon managed a brief fight-back in the second half, with great tries from Scott Cousins and Eugene Ofori – but Mel Capleton was determined not to let anything past him.
Eastwood’s third came halfway through the half when he flirted with an offside decision but the flag stayed down. His well aimed shot whizzed in giving Dave King no chance and putting the match beyond doubt.
Blues’ fitness levels look top notch and with the next round summoning Conference side Margate to The Rec, it’ll be tested to the maximum.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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