VCD ATHLETIC 1 GRAYS ATHLETIC 2

As a contrast to Saturday’s game against Peacehaven & Telscombe, this could not have been more different as an inspired performance from the Vickers saw them unlucky not to take all the points when on top in the first half, only to go down by the odd goal in three from a late comeback from the visitors. The hoops made all the early running, playing at a high tempo on the slick pitch with Dent, Dawson and Carpenter strong in midfield and keeping Grays pegged deep. Leigh Bremner had the first shot of the evening which keeper Conor Gough safely gathered, then Lanre Azeez’s teasing cross was just cleared at full stretch by Jay Leader, before Nick Reeves’ diagonal ball released James Duckworth who cut inside his marker, but his effort flew just over with the keeper beaten. The Blues were looking tentative as the pressure was maintained, especially at set pieces and skipper Lea Dawson saw his header come back off a post from Azeez’s corner. Then Dent sent a curler just over the bar before combining with Bremner to set up Dawson, whose side-footed effort was deflected wide. It was almost one way traffic and it was not until 10 minutes before the break that the visitors had their first effort on target when Joao Carlos sent in a soft shot that did not trouble Nick Blue. It looked only a matter of time until the breakthrough would come but the Vickers were stunned when it came on stroke of half time from the visitors. Joao Carlos was brought down right on the bye line, and James Stevens drove a free kick into the six yard box that was met powerfully by the head of GB Dumaka to put the Blues ahead.
VCD attacked from the start of the second half, but gradually Grays began to get a foothold on the game as they looked dangerous down the flanks. Substitute Akwasi Marfo was causing problems with his pace, and GB Dumaka fired over when well placed before Kenny Beaney released Jordan Wilson, but the alert Blue was quickly off his line to smother the ball. The Vickers were still posing a threat and Lanre Azeez broke quickly before crossing into the area, only for Leigh Bremner’s header to come crashing back off the crossbar, then a long throw from the impressive Elliott Cox was only half cleared as far as Karl Dent, but his volley was deflected over. As the game wore on VCD were finally rewarded with a goal of high quality. Michael Bakare sent Dent clear where he was upended just yards outside the area, and Nick Reeves stepped up to send his free kick over the wall into the top corner past the dive of Gough. It was anyone’s game now but Grays were making their pressure tell with some sustained attacking play and got the winner minutes from the end. Blue saved well from Marfo before, minutes later, the ball was worked to the left flank where it was played into the area, and Kenny Beaney found space to send a header into the net. The Vickers attacked in the closing minutes but were unable to get what would have been a deserved equaliser.

VCD Athletic: Blue, Cox, Roberts, Reeves, Basey, Dawson, Carpenter, Dent, Bremner (Power 73),
Azeez (Bakare 63), Duckworth

Substitutes not used: Payne, McDonagh, Penfold

Attendance: 95