Grays take share of spoils
Northwood Park was the scene of Blues weekend points share-out. Blues boss Mark Stimson was still hampered in his team choice with inspirational play-maker Leroy Griffiths still banned following his recent red-carding.
And so travelling Grays fans were treated to displays from the likes of Ram Marwa, Chris Wild and Ade Olayinka all of whom have not been choice first team players of late.
Early chances from both teams clattered into the woodwork, but as the game progressed Grays began to make progress, capitalising on the weakness of the Woods defence – although Freddy Eastwood was the chief tormentor for the visiting attack.
It was against the run of play that Northwood scored in the 27th minute when Christian Metcalfe capitalised on a moment of Grays doubt to nod the ball over Mel Capleton’ s grasp to secure the opening goal of the match.
Disappointed Grays came back strongly and fast – a trademark of the team which Stimson has crafted over the last two years – and when they got a free kick from distance, the Northwood defence were caught napping.
Wes Daly received the smallest of touched but sent a powerful shot arcing into the corner, leaving the home side’s keeper without a chance.
In the second half Grays pressed hard but, despite dominating for long periods, the visitors could not make their mark to separate the two teams. Ellis Remy has his chances, as did Eastwood and Wild in the closing stares, but the goal remained a dream.
With the season racing to it’s logical conclusion and Grays lying in sixth place – but with 43 games under their belt – Blues are battling for sixth slot with Carshalton.
But Stimson’ will have an eye of maintaining his team’s home record which will only have to weather one more assault: the home game against Hayes on Saturday May 1 to enter the season’s record books.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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