Grays Athletic 6–0 Hullbridge Sports

From Mill Field

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

 

GRAYS Athletic crushed Hullbridge Sports to move into the next round of the FA Cup, as hat-tricks from Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson and Dumebi Dumaka saw them win 6-0.

Grays were strong favourites to progress against a side two divisions below them and the hosts did start the brighter and could have had the lead early on, when Jay Leader saw a double effort saved at the far post by the impressive Sports stopper Bobby Mason.

But then the goals started to flow. The opening strike came after 16 minutes after superb work from Carlos saw him reach the byline and cut back. Fortnam-Tomlinson nipped in front of his marker and shot across his body and into the corner.

Mason had got a touch to that one, but he was helpess as Grays doubled and then tripled their advantage. Dumaka beat the keeper with a deflected effort before a terrific angled drive from Fortnam-Tomlinson found the far corner.

Sports had their first opportunity after 25 minutes, but Charlie Little was unable to beat the sprawling figure of Lamar Johnson.

And, in the blink an en eye, they were made to pay as Dumaka benefitted from some neat work down the right by Roman Michael-Percil to slot under Mason.

Sports were attempting to make inroads in the match but Grays’ class was showing, as they made it 5-0 on the 30 minute mark. Dumala and Fortnam-Tomlinson linked up once again with the latter played it through Mason’s legs.

No more goals before the break, Sports were looking for a stronger second-half showing but were dealt a blow when Mason was forced off with a rib injury after colliding with Dumaka.

On came Harry Aldridge and he had to be at his very best within 10 minutes. Neat work from substitute Lamar Reynolds found Fortnam-Tomlinson but his low drive was kept out by Aldridge’s legs.

Sports rallied, with Jimmy Cox’s volley parried by Johnson but they were unable to break down a resilient defence, although manager Hodgson was sent to the stands after failing to keep his cool with the referee.

 

Grays Athletic: Johnson, Ifill, Leader, Cronin (Yala), Siva, Beaney, Stevens, Dumaka, Michael-Percil, Fortnam-Tomlinson (Osei), Carlos (Reynolds)

Hullbridge Sports: Mason, Offord, Taylor, Skinner, Turpin (Wallace), Brandon, Little, Clarke (Clark), Hornsley, Cox, Brinklow