Grays held at Braintree

Grays' second friendly of the season saw many positives from both old and new players in this keenly contested friendly.

The first half saw a delightful one touch passing game being played by Grays. From the start the Sloma-Moleseley combination worked very well. Molesley fitted the description of being a box to box mid while Sloma showed guile as he looked to supply the front line.

But one of the best performances of the first half was by Mat Bodkin. On loan all last season to Thurrock, he looked sharp as time and time again he came in form the rght to threaten the Braintree defence. In the 1st minute he combined well with the effervescent Jamie Taylor but his shot was turned away be the keeper. In the 12th minute his header again whisked past the Braintree post.

With so many new players Grays had to be commended for playing so fluently in only their second game and it was a surprise that they went behind.

In the 18th minute, a speculative free kick floated across the area, Molesleyâ€™s marker tugged him back but Billy Burgess took the pass and scored from close range, Grays kept their shape but lost their penetrative edge, Braintree grew in confidence but two interceptions on the half hour showed that Jon Ashton was intent on taking up where he left off.

One of the main concerns was the way in which the Braintree midfield especially Oâ€™Sullivan was able to walk through the midfield. Coupled with the fact hat Sloma started to puff heavily on the half hour and may need to work on his fitness.

Changes rang out on the second half. Danny Kedwell came on and immediately went close. But the players were working very hard and the whole squad loooks like a tight unit.

Ishmel Welsh instantly showed lightning pace as did a rapier shot form Sam Sloma from 30 yards that the keeper did well to turn onto the bar. In the 63rd minute, Welsh walked past his marker to force a corner. Kedwell got his head from the resulting bal. It went wide but there was another hint of a fruitful combination.

The second half started to get bogged down but Stuart Elliot kept the team at a high tempo. It was an Elliot ball in the 72nd minue that cut the Braintree defence apart. Danny Kedwell latched on to the square ball to equalise for the Blues.

More substitutions saw both teams lose their rhythm and the game petered out for a fair draw. After the game, first team coach Neil Smith was pleased with the work-out.

He said: â€œI was impressed with the way the lads kept the ball on the ground and moved it around. The oace was good and even after just two games a fair degree of understanding.â€

Grays are next in action against Gillingham at home on Saturday.

Grays Starting Lineup:
Joe Woolley
Adam Gross
Jon Ashton
Jon Munday
Rob Gier
Matt Bodkin
Alex Campana
Sam Sloma
Mark Molesley
Jamie Taylor
Danny Carey-Bertram

Subs Used
Jamie Stuart
Kenny Davis
Stuart Elliot
Ishmael Welsh
Danny Kedwell
Charlie Ide

Braintree Starting Lineup:
Craig Holloway
Billy Burgess
Ian Wiles
Ben Chenery
Joe Bruce
Bradley Quinton
Wayne O'Sullivan
John Docker
Sean Marks
Gareth Williams
Louis Riddle

Subs Used
James Hawes
Ellis Remy
Kevin Horlock
Ben Bowditch
Ryan Moran
Paul Rutherford
Adrian Deane
Dave Bryant
Michael Shinn
Liam Coleman

Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report