Grays Athletic 3-2 Hampton & Richmond Borough

From Mill Field

Ryman Premier League

 

GRAYS Athletic roared back from 2-0 down to grab a last-gasp victory against Hampton & Richmond Borough...with a helping hand from player/manager Mark Bentley.

Blues had looked down and out after conceding two goals on the stroke of half-time, but second half strikes from James Stevens, player/manager Mark Bentley and an injury-time winner from Joao Carlos handed the hosts the points.

To add to the drama, Grays goalkeeper Conor Gough was sent off, with Bentley stepping into the void to make a fine penalty save.

Hampton’s second goalscorer Charlie Moone was also sent off late on.

Bentley’s side had a number of chances in the first-half and were unlucky to go in behind, although it looked as though two moments of hesitancy may have cost them on the stroke of the half-time whistle.

Firstly, a ball over the top was nodded beyond Gough by Tom Collins and he tapped into an empty net.

Moments later, a clearance was headed into the path of Moone and he shrugged off the attention of Manny Parry, rounded Gough and scored.

Hampton missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 at the start of the second-half before Grays pulled one back.

Carlos was fouled in the box and Stevens sent the keeper the wrong way to half the deficit.

And it was Bentley that drew the hosts level after some prolonged pressure. Jey Siva’s corner was headed downwards by Bentley but the attempted goal line clearance could not keep the ball out.

But the Gough was sent off, with Bentley taking up his place between the sticks.

And he was in inspired form, tipping away a penalty with his legs as the clock ticked down.

That left Carlos with the opportunity to score the winner and he did with style – curling into the far corner to send the home fans into raptures.