THE boost of a new manager proved enough to dent Grays Athletic's table-topping aspirations this evening (Tuesday, 2 November) as the Blues succumbed to a surprise 1-0 defeat at lowly Great Wakering Rovers.

Grays went into the match at Burroughs Park having struggled against bottom club Hullbridge Sports on Saturday, but perhaps having only eked out a 1-0 win then, the writing was on the wall for tonight.

Rovers, who sat second from bottom before tonight's game, has looking much improved in a 1-0 defeat at Walton Casuals in the first match under the stewardship of new manager Glenn Robson, who left his post as first team coach at Basildon United to take over Rovers.

He was accompanied in the move from Bees by Peter Dutton and Martin Tuohy remains at Rovers as player coach.

The combination proved inspirational enough to dent Grays' hope tonight with Charlie Morris grabbing the only goal of the game on the half hour in the 1-0 win.

Thanks to Dereham Town's 2-1 win against Bury Town Grays slipped from second to third, while leaders Canvey Island strengthened their title credentials with a 6-0 home win against Witham Town.