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24.07.2007 @ 19:45 Barrows Farm |
Crowd: 149
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Harlow Town
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0 - 2
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Grays Athletic
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Grays edged closer to establishing a starting eleven with this solid victory against Ryman Premier newcomers Harlow Town.
Harlow came out of the blocks fastest as their trialists and young players showed an edge, keenness and understanding that Grays found difficult to match early on.
Harlow played five at the back, which tended to snuff out the creativity in the game.
Craig McAllister and Aaron O‘Connor found it difficult to establish a rapport but chances were in short supply with very little creativity coming through midfield.
In the 14th minute, Jamie Day latched on to a ball from midfield but keeper Hassell was quick off his line to snuff out the chance.
The defence remained resolute. Jamie Stuart and Jon Ashton had a job on their hands but effectively marshalled the keen Green and the aptly named Bunn. One of the key positives in the friendlies so far is how well all the defenders have bedded in.
Two chances fell for O‘Connor just before half time. Although they both went wide, it showed his keen radar was starting to find its target again. Unfortunately, an awkward fall saw him limping out at half time.
The changes once again were rung at half time.
Harlow kept the pace going for another ten minutes but Grays, with Karl Murray out on the right and Charley Hearn starting to blossom in the middle, really started to ask questions of Harlow.
The key difference however was the combination of Danny Kedwell and Ben Watson who took up where they left off in Margate.
Watson is inventive and difficult to mark. His lateral movement and reading of the game is superb. Kedwell, in the guise of the old fashioned centre forward, compliments his game perfectly.
It was no surprise that it was Kedwell who broke the deadlock when, in the 71st minute, he latched on to a Cooksey through ball to round the keeper and slot the ball home for his third of the season.
Various other changes were made but the rhythm of Grays' game continued.
Stuart Thurgood and Charley Hearn seemed to find a real balance. If Ernie Cooksey can flourish and get round the back then the midfield can ask any defence serious questions.
The result was sealed when the obdurate Watson was pulled down in the 87th minute. He was determined to take the penalty which he converted with ease.
After the game, manager Justin Edinburgh pointed to the key development needs that the players must focus on.
He said: “The first half was marked by a lack of trust in the players. Many were unsure as to what the options were and too many weren't looking hard enough for the ball.
“To be fair, Harlow worked hard and gave us problems.
“In the second half we asked more questions and looked far more decisive.â€
Justin paid tribute to his new strikers.
“This is Danny's first full season and he is relishing the chance. He is a traditional forward but don't underestimate his touch.â€
Justin looked forward to Saturday‘s match against Edgware, saying: “Players will now be getting 70 to 90 minutes.â€
Goals
Danny Kedwell (71), Ben Watson (87 pen)
Harlow Starting Lineup
Unknown
Grays Athletic 1st Half Lineup
Ross Flitney
Andy Sambrook
Adam Gross
Jamie Stuart
Jon Ashton
Dennis Oli
Abdou El-Kholti
Stuart Thurgood
Jamie Day
Aaron O'Connor
Danny Kedwell
Grays Athletic 2nd Half Lineup
Danny Knowles
Karl Murray
Adam Gross
Simon Downer
Jack Haverson (trialist)
Dennis Oli
Ernie Cooksey
Stuart Thurgood
Charley Hearn
Danny Kedwell
Ben Watson
Subs
Aaron O'Connor -> Ben Watson (44)
Dennis Oli -> Matt Bodkin (57)
Adam Gross -> Ashley Barnes (78)
Stuart Thurgood -> Luke Woodward (84)
Report by Michael Casey
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the report
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