Grays Athletic 1, Tilbury

GRAYS took the neighbourhood bragging rights when they regained the annual Stan Veness Trophy in a pre-season clash with landlords and fellow Isthmian North side Tilbury at Chadfields on Saturday (25 July).

The win gave the Blues their third silverware of the pre-season, having retained the James Chisnell Memorial Trophy against East Thurrock and beat Fisher FC to win the Brian Lomax Cup for supporter-owned teams.

Early on, Grays looked like they were going to make home advantage pay with a couple of decent chances. Sam Wade broke through the line and tried to lob the keeper but just missed the target before a wicked Rob Harvey cross from the right evaded everyone in the box.

The Dockers worked their way into the game and by half time really should have been ahead - but they just couldn't hit the target. Michael Okafor headed wide from an excellent chance and later Tyler Forbes hit a post, with Tyler Brampton (who had a fine game) clearing to prevent a chance from the rebound.

The 'visitors' looked particularly dangerous from set pieces and long throws, but the Grays back line held firm, with Jordan Clark again leading the way.

Grays almost opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, through an audacious attempt from the halfway line by Gabriel Chapps that went just wide of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the half following a handball just outside the area. Chapps stepped up and curled the ball beautifully round the wall and inside the far post, leaving the Dockers' keeper rooted to the spot.

Grays boss Mitch Hahn was able to make several changes as the half went on without any drop in quality, bringing on some pace and guile off the bench. And only a good save deep into added time prevented Grays from doubling the score.

Blues move on to another pre-season fixture on Friday, 31 July at 7.45 away at Hadley FC (Brickfield Lane, Barnet EN5 3LD).

Tilbury are at home on Tuesday to Soul Tower Hamlets (7.45pm).