Grays Athletic 2, Felixstowe and Walton United 0

TWO time competition winners Grays produced a victory today (Saturday, 20 September) that stirred memories of the club's historic past heroics in the FA Trophy.

Just a few weeks ago Grays were well-beaten at Chadfields by fellow Isthmian North rivals Felixstowe in the league, and given some indifferent form in between few probably expected much from today's fixture at the same venue.

But the Blues turned form on its head and goals from Kye Jude and Luke Hirst were enough to see them through to the third qualifying round - and net the club £2,250 in prizemoney from a deserved victory.

And they did it without the presence of manager Darren Manning who was on holiday, though assistant head coach Callum Bolger was keen afterwards to praise the work put in by the Blues boss in preparing for the tie.

The opening half was largely uneventful, with the hosts creating the better opportunities.

Jack Turner headed narrowly wide before Lewis Clark was denied at the near post by Harry Wright. The Seasiders had little to worry Grays at the other end and keeper George Marsh was rarely troubled.

And Grays got the lead their efforts merited on the stroke of half time when a long free kick was met by Jude, whose header nestled into the far corner of the net.

Felixstowe continued to struggle after the restart, offering little threat in the final third.

At the other end, keeper Harry Wright twice came to his side's rescue, producing fine saves to keep out Harry Hope as Grays looked to extend their advantage.

And the home side doubled their lead on 69 minutes when Hirst drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

With a two goal lead Grays knuckled down and made sure the visitors were kept at bay.

It was a performance that delighted stand-in boss Bolger who said: "I'm very proud of the boys. We did the job today as team and stuck to the game plan which we had worked on in midweek.

"It was a great team effort and the work that Darren did ahead of the game means he deserves the credit.

"A win like this is very big for us as a club and now let's see how far we can go. Never say never."