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Carshalton Athletic 0 Grays Athletic 2

Mon, September 13, 2004. Kick off: 7:45 PM in Matches

BLUES PLUNDER THE ROBINS NEST by Carol Smith-Allen

On a rather dark night at The War Memorial Ground Blues regained the top slot, having deservedly defeated Carshalton by two goals to nil. Grays superior fitness was evident during a match that they dominated for long spells.

Blues started the brighter of the two sides with Griffiths, Eastwood and Cole causing the Robins problems from the outset, and Blues came close to taking an early lead when Stuart Thurgood’s powerful strike smashed against the crossbar.

The Robins then came more into the game, testing Carl Emberson in the 23rd minute and then again in the 28th. Blues came close again to opening the scoring on 32 minutes, when Leroy Griffiths’ six yard shot went narrowly wide. Almost immediately, the lively Griffiths set-up strike partner Freddy Eastwood only to see his shot hit the woodwork.

Although the Robins were well-organized the second-half saw Blues in control, and it wasn’t long before they were in front. Griffiths latched onto a long ball, jinked past two defenders, and slotted the ball home. Carshalton responded with Nic McDonnell’s powerful shot producing an impressive finger-tip save from Emberson.

Shortly afterwards Carshalton almost got the equaliser they were striving for, when Des Boateng’s shot hit the post, and Thurgood cleared the ball out of the danger area.

On 73 minutes Griffiths was brought down in the box, but Blues appeal for a penalty was turned down. Much to the frustration of Griffiths who was then cautioned for disputing the referee’s decision, and replaced shortly after by substitute Vill Powell.

Blues then increased their lead; Carshalton failed to effectively clear a corner, and Thurgood’s header found the back of the net.

On 86 minutes Grays made their second substitution, bringing on 16 year old Gary Hooper, who has worked his way up through the ranks, for Dean Brennan.

With only a few minutes left on the clock, Carshalton’s Nic McDonnell’s robust challenge on Emberson, sparked a ‘free for all’ involving players from both teams. When referee Chapman finally regained control she issued McDonnell with his second yellow card (his first having been for a bad tackle on Eddie Youds), and the Robins were down to 10 men.

Teams:-
Carshalton:- Searle, Hartburn, Wood, Costello, Harding, Elliott, Boateng, York(c), Stone, McDonnell (sent off 87 mins), Saunders Subs:- Patterson, Marvell (for Harding 71 mins), Hinds, Sullivan, Frith
Grays Ath:- Emberson, Bruce, Nutter, Robinson, Youds, Thurgood, Brennan, Carthy (c), Eastwood, Griffiths, Cole Subs:- Wild, Powell (for Griffiths 76 mins), Olayinka, Hooper (for 86 Brennan) Overland

Referee:- A. Chapman