Grays Athletic 0, Brentwood Town 2

SATURDAY'S (1 March) Isthmian North derby probably summed up Grays Athletic's season over the past couple of months - giving an excellent account of themselves against one of the division's high-flying sides, creating enough chances to get something out of the game but ultimately emerged empty-handed.

The early exchanges were tight with Matt Cripps for the visitors and Alejandro Machado both missing the target with shots.

Brentwood were probably though in the ascendency but it took them until the 20th minute to create a clear chance. New recruit George Smith's shot was saved by Danny Sambridge and Blues struggled to clear the ball. And soon after Benas Vaivada tested the home keeper again, but Sambridge was up to the task.

Grays slowly worked their way into the half and on the half hour mark, Elliott Sartorius broke well from midfield and he fed Luke Hirst inside the penalty area and he appeared to take a push in the back, as he went to get his shot away. But referee Mr Shimmin, waved play on.

Saturday's results have dropped Grays to 16th, but with games in hand they should not be too worried by looking over their shoulder.

Hirst should then have given Grays the lead, when he met Tyler Brampton's cross but side-footed the chance wide.

At the other end, Vaivada again tested Sambridge before two chances late in the half for Blues - Kye Jude heading straight at Brentwood keeper, Melvin Minter and Alejandro Machado heading over the bar.

The first 25 minutes of the second half were even, with promotion-chasing Brentwood wondering where the break would come from.

Both defences were opting for the no-nonsense approach and there was the danger of the game drifting towards stalemate, which would have suited the home side better.

But teams at the top somehow find a way. And in the 70th minute, former Blue Marlon Agyakwa's ball into the area was met by Town's leading scorer Daniel Ogunleye. He helped the ball on over his shoulder and to general surprise, it looped over everyone and into the net, giving Brentwood the lead. The Blues' back line simply had to be more positive.

Blues almost equalised five minutes later. An Elliott Sartorius corner created panic in the visitors' area. Minter pulled off a fine low save from a shot that came out of a pile of bodies in the six yard box before a mad scramble ensued with the ball being dug out off the line. It just would not go in for Grays.

This seemed to wake up the visitors for the final stretch of the game. Sambridge had to palm an Agyakwa free kick over the bar and only a great tackle from Alex Moss prevented Ogunleye a sight at goal.

And it was deep into added time when Vaivada's cross found the aforementioned Ogunleye in acres of space in the penalty area and he finished calmly for a 2-0 lead and settling the visiting fans' nerves. It was harsh on Blues.

Blues are back in action next week, away at Maldon.