Grays Athletic 1, Redbridge 2

BLUES supporters suffered a disappointing evening at Chadfields on Friday (30 August) as Grays went down to Isthmian North defeat. 

Much of the damage was done in the early stages and Redbridge pressed from the off and found themselves on the front foot with an aggressive attacking style of play.

Grays had already been troubled by the long ball before James Barlow found the net on seven minutes and just 120 seconds later Blues keeper Danny Sambridge founding himself clutching thin air as he was beaten by a looping header from Tyler Dolan.

Other chances came and went for Redbridge with Grays only threatening infrequently, though they were indebted to an outstretched foot from keeper Connor Wheatley - whose low reaction save saw them take the two goal lead into the break.

Luke Hirst pulled one back for Grays three minutes into the second half, converting with a low angled drive from an acute angle after good work from Alex Moss and Aron Gordon, but that was as good as it got.

Blues were better in the second stanza and were much improved but ultimately to sloppy and lacklustre start was the cause of their defeat.