Defence lets Blues down
Grays’ erratic form continued on Saturday.
Despite Blues incredible league scoring rate – the team has hit a whopping 38 goals in it’s favour – the victories have been replaced by draws.
Grays goal tally is second only to league leaders Canvey Island…..and Grays are currently lying in eighth place in the Ryman Premier.
But the difficulty for Grays is that although they can bang the goals in against much loftier rivals, sometimes that give valuable points away to teams they should be able to bear with one striker tied behind the Christmas tree.
Last week it was second from bottom Aylesbury who snuck two goals at home to leave Grays scrambling for the draw.
And this week, in front of over 300 fans at The Rec, Grays made a meal of it from the whistle and had to come from behind to pinch a point.
And this to Billericay, a team with –prior to this match – just two wins to its name since August 16th.
Blues were skating on thin ice from the off when substitute keeper Scott Barrett – chosen over Mel Capleton – brought down Steve Jones. But he saved the spot kick from Jamie Dormer.
Billericay went ahead in the 23rd when Dave Reddington nodded in a corner from Dormer.
Blues hot shot Stuart Thurgood levelled the scores just before half time with a curling corner which went in as if on a remote-controlled arc.
In the second half Billericay conjured up more chances when Andrew Davidson nodded just wide and Barrett was called upon to keep Blues in the game.
Even Blues’ usual show-stopper Leroy Griffiths found himself isolated and Ellis Remy was unable to change the dynamics when he came on late in the game.
Mark Stimson admitted after the game that Grays had hit a sticky patch. But he was keen to point out that Blues are still unbeaten in the League at home this season.
Grays may have lost a little self-confidence since the heady days of their FA Cup run, but on Saturday they travel to Bedford Town and will be hoping to close the gap on local rivals Thurrock who are just two places ahead of them in the Premiership.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
|