Saturday 19th September
PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN NORTH
BRENTWOD TOWN 0 – 2 GRAYS ATHLETIC

Two late goals earned Grays an opening day win at the Brentwood Arena.

An even first half had seen Brentwood’s best chances fall to Sam Bantick. With three minutes gone he found space at the far post but saw his shot blocked. Bantick then had a great chance six minutes before the break when a Joe Wicks cross picked him out at the far post, but the header went wide.

Grays created some long-range shooting opportunities but did not seriously threaten Edwards although they went close when Russell’s shot cleared the crossbar from a good position.

Brentwood started the second half very strongly and Wicks saw his left foot shot well saved by Danny Sambridge after 48 minutes.

Former Brentwood striker Tony Stokes put the visitors ahead in the 78th minute when he forced the ball home through a crowded six-yard box following a corner kick from the left by another ex-Town player Mitch Hahn.

The home team were reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when Phil Roberts received a second yellow card. Grays then secured the points when Darrelle Russell created a chance for himself deep in the home penalty area and forced a fine save from Brentwood keeper Preston Edwards but the ball fell to substitute Moroyin Omolabi who had a simple tap-in to make it 2-0.

Brentwood Town: Edwards, Hogan, Bacon, Love, Heath, Gould, Bantick ( Oyenuga 73), Wicks, Roberts, Harvey, Freeman (Rees 73).