Slabber hits three as Grays cruise through against minnows Maldon
STRIKER Jamie Slabber marked his debut after returning to Grays with a hat-trick as Blues overwhelmed their Ryman One North rivals in the Essex Senior Cup.
It took Slabber just eight minutes to get off the mark and he grabbed another on 17 minutes.
Fabian Wilnis (24), Kenny Beaney (27) and Luke Hickie (34) and got on the scoresheet before Slabber wrapped up his hat-trick and the first half scoring nine minutes before half time.
Grays took the foot off the gas after the break and had only Gavin Dayes’ chipped 51st minute goal to show for their efforts as manager Wayne Burnett experimented with formations, putting Jon Ashton and Dayes up front for a work out.
Slabber didn’t complete the game, going off with cramp, but well pleased with his night’s work.
Among the other pluses as Grays prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup trek to Carlisle included the performance of Kenny Beaney, who struggled on Saturday against Kidderminster but settled into his game and appreciated the opportunity to calm his nerves as well as get on the score sheet.
Peripheral players such as Mark Haines and debutants Paul Olima left their mark.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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