Grays Athletic 0, Felixstowe and Walton 3

GRAYS were taught a lesson in making the most of what you create by Felixstowe & Walton in Saturday's (30 August) Isthmian North clash at Chadfields.

For much of the 90 minutes the play itself was evenly balanced, indeed the Blues had the better of the first half.

But what counts is the number of times the ball hits the back of the net and Felixstowe were ruthless in taking what chances they created. To be fair, Blues are also suffering from a distinct injury crisis, with a number of probable first-choice players currently unavailable, leaving something of a patched-up look to the side.

The game could hardly have started worse for Grays when just four minutes in, an old Blues adversary Olly Caley Brown was given way too much time and space out wide left and his cross found Josh Mayhew inside the six-yard box and he had an easy finish to make it 1-0.

However, the goal seemed to wake Grays up and they had their best spell of the game. Oscar Shelvey-Negus played a long pass to Jayden Silcott-Brown, whose shot was beaten away by visitors' keeper Harry Wright.

Slicott-Brown then turned provider for Joe Paxman but his header was hacked away off the line. Blues then forced a series of corners, from one of which Lewis Clark played a deft ball back into the danger area, but there was no Blue shirt on hand to apply the finish.

Still Grays continued to create chances, Shelvey-Negus headed wide and then another corner led to a goal-line scramble but it just wouldn't fall for Blues.

The visitors always looked dangerous in possession though, with Noel Aitkens an especially calming influence in midfield.

The final chance of the half came when Callum Fitzer fed Silcott-Brown who jinked his way into the penalty area but his shot was well saved low down by Wright.

Manager Darren Manning's post match verdict.

The second half started in the same calamitous way for Blues as the first. Josh Hitter's angled shot was parried by George Marsh in the Grays goal but straight into the path of Dan Gilchrist who had a tap-in to make it 2-0.

Harry Wright, the Felixstowe keeper, was having a fine game and he produced another great low save this time to deny Fitzer from close range.

Mention also has to be made of Alfie Wellens, Blues' recent loan signing from Leyton Orient. Playing his first game of senior football, he showed a level of skill and maturity well beyond his years. He will be a valuable addition to Darren Manning's squad during his time with us.

Midway through the half the game was as good as over as a contest. Josh Hitter broke clear from midfield and took his chance calmly for a 3-0 lead, although Marsh will think he should have done better with the shot.

Grays continued to press but couldn't create the clear chance to get themselves back in the contest, as the Felixstowe defence held firm.

The game was a real lesson in taking your chances when they come. Grays certainly created more potential opportunities to score but it was Felixstowe that showed the clinical touch - and that is why they are definitely contenders for end-of-season honours in the division.

Grays Athletic: Marsh, Brampton (79, Nolan-Samuels), Joynes, Walker, L Clark (30, Wellens), Romer, Gordon (60, Bantick), Shelvey-Negus, Fitzer (60, Hirst), Paxman, Silcott-Brown. Sub not used : Drew

Next weekend, Blues are back in cup action, with the next round of the FA Trophy against new opponents in Milton Keynes.

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