Droylsden F.C.-The bloods on the net!

GRAYS ATHLETIC 3 – 1 DROYLSDEN

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER – Thursday 20 March 2008

Report by Gary Owen

Bloods' boss Dave Pace was livid with the officials after this Maundy Thursday defeat in Essex, when Terry Fearns was clearly tripped in the box early in the second-half – a view confirmed by the TV replays.

"That was a ridiculous decision – and he was only yards from the offence. You expect a better level of refereeing at this level – that was at a crucial time of the game; it was 1-1 and we were on top at that stage, so it's changed the game. I'm probably going to get in trouble for saying that, but it has to be said" fumed the Droylsden boss after the game.

The game itself was the proverbial game of two halves, with the hosts enjoying the better of the first half with the wind at their backs, and Droylsden taking the game to Mick Woodward's side after the break.

Grays showed early intent through Scott Taylor, who fired two yards over from 20 yards after just two minutes, and then Danny Kedwell sent Marlon Patterson down the left flank over Lee Roche, but Paul Phillips closed the angle forcing the winger to pull his effort wide.

Grays took the lead on 11 minutes with a goal that would have been a contender for Goal of the Month had it been scored in the Premiership. Adam Gross played the ball down the left wing for #34 or 24, who's first time touch found Patterson. His first time cross was met on the half-volley by Kedwell to beat Phillips from 14 yards.

Their lead was short-lived, however, as the Bloods struck back within 3 minutes. Lee Roche won possession on the right and curled in a cross for Dale Johnson to get his head to the ball ahead of both Simon Downer and Jamie Stuart to nod past Nicky Eyre.

In the 18th minute, Johnson benefited from a good run into the box by Chris Denham to turn and shoot, but Eyre got a finger-tip to his shot to turn it away.

Just before the half-hour, Johnson looked like he'd forced a penalty from Stuart, but the referee, who had given less for fouls outside the box, was having none of it.

Droylsden survived claims for a penalty by Grays as the ball struck Connal Murtagh's arm, but he appeared to be the victim of a push by Kedwell. Mr. Sutton's view was to award a corner kick.

Moments before the break, Kedwell got in behind Greg Strong from a quick free kick to shoot with power, but Phillips somehow managed to tip the ball onto the bar, and it bounced away to safety.

Five minutes after the break, Denham fired in a low cross from the left, but Eyre collected at the second attempt with Terry Fearns ready to pounce.

The moment of controversy came on 52 minutes when Denham chased a ball by Ashley Burbeary. Eyre came to collect at the winger's feet, but the ball fell to Fearns who had his feet taken from him by Downer, with the referee seeing nothing wrong.

Greg Strong gifted possession to Aaron O'Connor, but fortunately for Droylsden he shot wide from the edge of the box.

With 64 minutes on the clock, Grays restored their lead with Kedwell recording his brace from 22 yards, but Phillips will be disappointed to be beaten on his near post in such fashion.

The Bloods again almost hit back immediately, but Jamie McGuire couldn't quite reach Denham's cross at the far post.

Fearns was then presented with a great chance to level after good work down the right flank from McGuire and Levi Mackin, but Eyre saved with his legs and McGuire struck the apex of bar and post from the loose ball.

Johnson the latched onto a loose ball in the Grays box, but he tried to guide the ball past Eyre, who was off his line and subject to a lob, and Eyre collected the on-loan Hyde striker's shot low to his left.

With ten minutes remaining, Jamie Taylor found himself in space ahead of the Droylsden box, but Phillips came out quickly. Taylor still got his shot away, which bounced off the bar of the unguarded goal, and Droylsden cleared.

Kedwell then headed over from a corner kick, but with four minutes remaining, substitute Barry Cogan took advantage of some slack defending, particularly by Lee Roche, to slam a shot home, despite the endeavours of Burbeary on the line.

In the dying seconds, Sean Newton saw his header cleared-off the Grays line by Gross from McGuire's corner to sum-up The Bloods' luck in front of goal.

Despite the scoreline, which rather flattered the Essex side, Dave Pace should be encouraged that his side are once again creating chances, which has been their trademark of recent seasons.

TEAMS:

Grays Athletic Eyre, Downer, Gross, Stuart, Ashton, McCafferty (Standing, 31'), Thurgood, O'Connor, Patterson (Cogan, 73'), Taylor S. (Taylor J., 60'), Kedwell.

Subs. not used Whincup, Day.

Droylsden Phillips, Roche, Newton, Halford (Cryan, 60'), Strong, Murtagh (Burbeary, 46'), Mackin, McGuire, Denham, Fearns, Johnson (Lynch, 82').

Subs. not used Munroe, Waite.

REFEREE: Mr. Gary Sutton (Lincoln)

ATTENDANCE: 824