Tonbridge (0) 1 Parkinson 71
Grays Athletic (2) 2 Dumaka 28, Lapado 40
Att. 429
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/2,301
Match Report
Those Kent cup fixtures were played during the late 1960s and early 1970s, if they have happened in the last five years then Grays' geographic displacement could be understood as they have led a nomadic life since the demise of their Recreation Ground. They presently play their home fixtures at Aveley, but also have played at East Thurrock and Romford in that time.
Grays Athletic were one of the top non-league teams in the country back in 2005 winning the FA Trophy in successive years under the stewardship of Mark Stimson, who, of course, went on to have an up and down managerial career at Gillingham. My memory of Grays at the Recreation Ground was a pre-season friendly with Gillingham that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the League club with the goal a thumping header from a certain Danny Kedwell.
Today’s game was played in unseasonable October weather with the temperature rising above 21degC but with dark clouds circling above Longmead threatening a downpour that materialised as a brief shower midway through the first half.
The first 20 minutes took a good deal longer with three lengthy stoppages, two of which being the Tonbridge physio attending their goalkeeper, Kyle Merson, after a collision with Freddie Lapado. With no substitute keeper on the bench, Melvin Slight stood adjacent to the 18 yard box assessing the goalkeeper’s state of health as he had taken a knock to the head.
Two goals for the visitors in the space of 12 minutes were not to be attributed to Merson’s injury as long range strikes from Dumebi Dumaka and Lapado became out of context in a game of many woeful misses.
On 27 minutes, Dumaka opened up space for himself, ending a mazy dribble with a cracking 20 yard shot into the bottom corner and after 40 minutes, Lapado took a cross from the left to bury another 20 yarder past Merson.
The second half was an entertaining affair as Tonbridge, to their credit, set about the task of repairing the damage. They were quickly offered the opportunity to half the deficit with the award of a spot kick when Tom Parkinson was fouled in the box. Tommy Whitnell shrugged off the request from top scorer Billy Medlock to take the penalty but his attempt was a perfect height for the giant Grays’ keeper, Conor Gough, to turn over the crossbar.
As Tonbridge threw caution to the wind in search of a way back into the game they were being picked off on the counter attack with alarming regularity. In once such attack, Grays’ livewire winger Joao Carlos, with Merson grounded, dispatched the ball into the prone goalkeeper’s hands from a yard away.
Carlos, then hit a post, before Tonbridge scored to get themselves back into game. A run and pinpoint cross from James Folkes down the right found Parkinson, whose volley gave even the man mountain no chance.
The hosts certainly rode their luck as on a two further occasions the Essex side hit a post whilst Medlock clipped the bar and Chris Piper shot narrowly wide as the time ebbed away.
A great afternoon’s entertainment and when Tonbridge pass through the Dartford Tunnel in February for the return fixture we can hope for more of the same. If nothing else, we will know which county we are in!
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