Grays men’s first XI’s last chance of lifting silverware this season were lost in the final minutes of a pulsating Essex Thameside Trophy final. Despite pushing their higher division opponents to the very end, it wasn’t to be for the Blues, as Bowers & Pitsea lifted the silver galleon.
In just the seventh minute, a fine through ball by Callum Leahy found Ronnie Winn but his shot was smothered by keeper Joseph Osaghae, who unfortunately injured himself in the attempt. After a long period of treatment, Osaghae had to leave the field to be replaced between the sticks by midfielder Oscar Shelvey.
As often happens in these circumstances, the loss of the keeper caused the defence to raise their game and the Bowers back line stuck well to their task all night. Twice soon after, the Blues threw the ball into the box but the home side got bodies back to snuff out the chances.
And on 20 minutes, at the other end Blues failed to deal with a long free kick and Brandon Vale-Aviero was on hand to put away the chance for a 1-0 lead.
The large contingent of Blues fans were urging their team to test the stand-in keeper more and Aron Gordon did just that, driving forward from midfield, he let fly from the best part of 30 yards – a shot that would have tested most full-time goalies – bringing the scores level.
He nearly repeated the trick a few minutes later and just before the break, a great reverse pass from Marlon Agyakwa found Tom Stagg but he couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet.

Half time: Bowers & Pitsea 1 v 1 Grays Athletic

In the second half, the minds of the Blues management team were clearly on Saturday’s vital final league encounter, with the gradual replacement of players needed at the weekend. But still they were keen to keep this tie alive. Bowers though came out with greater purpose and it only took them five minutes to regain the lead. Winger, Henry Dasofunjo was given way too much space out wide right. He cut in and beat Danny Sambridge with a great shot from the edge of the box, to make it 2-1.
Still though Grays refused to lie down, Lewis Clark had a header saved, Joe Gardner went close and Aron Gordon thundered a shot against the crossbar. And with ten minutes left, impressive substitute, Teddy Jones found half a yard of space on the left and hooked an unstoppable shot past Shelvey to bring the scores level again.
Throughout though, Bowers & Pitsea remained strong, quick and dangerous on the break. And their winner in the 89th minute was a thing of beauty. A fast exchange of passes down the left wing ended up with ball at the feet of Valckx Fernandes who struck a fine finish past Sambridge.
Blues threw everything at Bowers in added-on time, including a final corner that Sambridge, venturing upfield, got his head to – but all in vain.
So, congratulations to Bowers on their win in a great final. But Grays have a bigger date with destiny on Saturday. Strap yourselves in for the ride !
Come on you Blues !
Final score: Bowers & Pitsea 3 v 2 Grays Athletic
Grays Ath: Sambridge, Homans (Damrell, 88), Joynes, R.Winn, L.Clark, Leahy, Gordon (Jones 70), Gardner, Stagg (G.Winn, 46), Hahn, Agyakwa (Osei-Bobie, 65)
Sub not used: Griek