Grays Athletic 0–0 East Thurrock United

From Mill Field

Ryman Premier League

 

GRAYS Athletic and East Thurrock United began the new year with a goalless draw in a hotly-contested derby match.

Both had opportunities, with Grays dominating the second-half but neither could get the goal they so desperately desired at Mill Field.

Rocks came into the match on the back of four straight wins while Grays were looking for their first home win in four games.

But it was the hosts that created the first opening. Joao Carlos, making his 250th appearance for the club, worked an opening with Correy Davidson but the latter slipped as he shot and Lukas Lidakevicius could claim comfortably in the away goal.

East Thurrock’s Sam Higgins was looking to get on the scoresheet in the first match of the new year but the 20-goal striker almost turned provider. Neat footwork on the left saw a ball swung in only for Tom Wraight to hook over from a tight angle.

Higgins drove two shots wide of the far post as Rocks cranked up the pressure, although Montel Agyemang and Roman Michael-Percil did force Lidakevicius into saves.

But much of the first-half was spent in midfield, with the defences coming out on top.

The second period almost started out with a bang when Davidson got the better of Rickie Hayles near the corner flag, cut inside but could only bend a left-footed effort wide of the far post.

Grays were making the running at the start of the half, with Davidson booked for what the referee deemed to be a dive, although it appeared as though Lewis Smith nudged the striker in the penalty area.

Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson was having a quiet afternoon, but the man who had scored 13 times came close with a deflected effort, which had Lidakevicius rooted to the spot.

East Thurrock needed some inspiration, as the home team continued to push the tempo. And they almost got it when Tom Wraight’s 25 yard free-kick was pushed wide by Johnson.

Davidson and Agyemang replied, with Lidakevicius kept on his toes.

Kenny Beaney’s late volley was also comfortably saved as Rocks held on and the points were shared.

 

Grays Athletic: Johnson, Ifill, Siva, Cronin, Leader, Agyemang, Michael-Percil, Beaney, Fortnam-Tomlinson, Davidson, Carlos (Little)

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons (Scott), Miller, Peddie, Hayles, Wood, Ruel (Newby), Wraight, Higgins, Yusuff (Walker), Smith