Grays Athletic 0, Leiston 0

GRAYS Athletic and Leiston fought out a goalless draw in their FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie on Saturday (5 September) but it was far from a dull affair. Both sides will know they had the chances to win the game but neither probably deserved to lose and everyone has to settle for a rematch at Leiston on Tuesday evening.

Souithern Premier Central Leiston definitely showed touches of why they are plying their trade at a step above Isthmian North Grays, well-drilled and organised, holding a nice shape with good width, but the Blues were certainly not outshone by their loftier opponents and over the 90 minutes gave as good as they got.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors from an early corner and Adam Mills will think he should have done better with his headed effort, which cleared the bar. For some time, the game then got bogged down in midfield, with neither side really able to dominate or create a clear opening on goal. Gabriel Chapps hooked effort from a Macca Joynes free kick was probably Blues best early chance, apart from a Denim Nnamudi long run and shot which deflected off of a defender, falling safely into the arms of visiting keeper, Nathaniel Copping.

As the half went on, Leiston, resplendent in a bright pink kit, turned up the pressure and they were unlucky when a long-range shot from Harvey Sayer grazed the outside of the upright.

On the half hour, Nnamudi and Chapps played a nice give-and-go on the edge of the Leiston box before Chapps was taken out by Kyle McFadden. Fresh from his deadball goal earlier in the week, Chapps tried his luck again but this time his attempt went just wide of the post, with the keeper beaten.

The half closed with Leiston on the attack and an outbreak of pinball in the Grays area, ending with a snap-shot from Jude Frostick that came back off the crossbar.

Leiston started the second half firmly on the front foot, looking to make their superior status pay but the Blues back line, led admirably by Lewis Clark, held firm. Sayer shot over the bar and after a nice passage of play, Seb Dunbar pulled his effort wide of the goal.

Chances kept coming at both ends. Denzil Effah missed the target from Ned Hepburn's inviting cross and Chapps had a shot deflected for a corner after a neat one-two with Effah. For Leiston, Dunbar sent the ball across the home six yard box but Joynes was on hand to make an important clearance. Back at the other end, Nnamudi's long range effort was only just wide of the post.

In the final fifteen minutes, both sides had opportunities to win the game. Leiston sub, Joe Henman headed straight at Danny Sambridge, in the home goal - a yard either side and he would have scored. For Blues, Nnamudi found Hepburn in the penalty area - as he made space for the shot a fine block tackle by Ben Batho saved the day for the visitors. Chapps had a couple of late half chances, but it wasn't to be.

So, it will be battle rejoined on Tuesday evening to see who progresses to the next round of this famous old competition. The draw will be on Monday lunchtime, so the winner's reward will be known by the time of the replay.

It promises to be another tight affair on the Suffolk coast, with both sides keen for the victory. After the game, Grays manager Mitch Hahn was really pleased with his side's efforts against Step 3 opponents. He commented that the squad are working well together and felt that they could have won this tie at the first attempt.

Supporters are advised there will be a coach running to Leiston on Tuesday - details on the usual social channels. And also that as a result of this replay, Wednesday's league encounter with Witham is postponed.