Grays’ tough route to win
Egham’s waterlogged pitch forced this Bryco match – scheduled for the Runnymede Stadium – to be played at The Rec on Saturday.
Although, on paper, Grays should have made quick work of their rivals, the game was tight as the Division One South visitors fought for every ball.
Egham centre-back Andy Dugdale thwarted Blues attackers on several occasions. At the other end of the pitch Mel Capleton – on the reserves bench in recent weeks – was back, with little to do.
With less than 10 minutes gone Danny Hayzelden produced a great cross which Grays’ top scorer Freddy Eastwood tried to unsuccessfully busy, twice.
Hayzelden himself should have beaten the visitors’ goalkeeper James Mercer when his point-black range shot spun wide.
Blues’ tactic of pressurising the wings and crossing worked – but Grays had target problems in the box.
Capleton had little to until he nabbed a powerful Matt Edwards header in the second half.
With Egham soaking up the pressures, Grays manager Mark Stimson brought on Dean Bradshaw and Ellis Remy, and even came on himself.
The changes unsettled the visitors and with less than 10 minutes on the clock Remy spun and let loose a blinding shot which found the top corner to clinch it for Grays.
Stimson’s men may have squeezed it against relatively lowly rivals, but at Beddington Park tomorrow, they will have to up their game if they are to take out on-form Premier rivals Carshalton.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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