Grays Athletic3

Bishop's Stortford2

(FA Trophy Second Round Replay)

THE BLUES put in a brave performance against Premier Division Grays Athletic but lost out on a place in the next round, and a home draw with Dr Martens Premier Division outfit Welling United, by three goals to two.

After conceding a last-minute Grays equaliser which forced the replay, the Blues then found themselves two goals to the good within the opening seven minutes of this match.

It was Vinnie John who set up Trevor Paul for the first goal with the striker ramming home from seven yards.

The Blues fans that had not been held up on the M25 were given further cheer when Glen Southam controlled a Paul left-wing cross well, before firing past Jamie Lunan in the hosts' goal.

After Mervyn Abraham had inexplicably shot wide with just Micky Desborough to beat, Grays reduced the deficit when a long throw was headed home by an unmarked Alex Fiddes.

Stortford continued to look dangerous going forward and fine interplay saw a Southam-launched shot hit a post and cleared to safety.

The second half was going to be a slog and what Stortford did not want was an early Grays equaliser. However, this is exactly what happened when Glenn Southgate scooped in a right-wing cross at the far post.

The eventual winner, with just under an hour played, came straight from the training ground. A corner was played to the edge of the area where it was met sweetly by Southgate and flew into the back of the net.

Try as they might, Stortford did not seem to have the ability to break Grays down. Their misery was compounded near the end when a late tackle by Troy Braham led to a free-for-all which saw Carl Fannon and Grays' John Buffong sent off.

Stortford are currently in negotiations with a defender and a midfielder, both of whom are currently plying their trade in the higher echelons of the Ryman Premier Division.

This Saturday Stortford travel to Bognor Regis Town in a Ryman League division one clash. The game kicks off at 3pm.

December 13, 2001 13:45