Grays Athletic 0, Stanway Rovers 1

GRAYS' inconsistent sequence of results continued with Saturday's home defeat at the end of isthmian North surprise package Stanway Rovers.

The visitors, in their first season at Step Four level have exceeded most people's expectations and after Saturday's (25 January) win they sit sixth, a point behind Bowers & Pitsea who occupy the last play-off spot - but with three matches in hand.

In contrast Grays, who included the return Charlie Stimson in their starting line-up, are at the other end of the table in 17th, just a point ahead of relegation rivals Takeley and Lowestoft, both who have games in hand!

There was little between the sides at Chadfields on Saturday but the match was decided by a 12th minute goal from Rovers' George Okaye. 

To add to the Blues' disappointment, sub Jack Blower who came on for the last 20 minutes, was given a red card deep into added time.

For long periods the Blues matched Stanway but they were caught napping for the game's only goal.

Jamie Bennet was left free inside the area and his shot was parried by George Marsh but the ball fell kindly for Okoyo who somehow scored from a tight angle.

As in previous matches, the goal seemed to wake Grays up. On 20 minutes they should have been level. Stanway keeper Callum Robinson mishit a clearance that didn't make the half way line, falling straight to Stimson. He fed Toheeb Elegushi who got ahead of the defenders, advancing towards Robinson. All the crowd waited for his shot to ripple the net but it went wide.

Grays were extremely critical of Gareth Burton, who they believe failed to curtail Rovers' aggressive style of play. Late tackles were unpunished, a "basketball" of a handball unpunished and there was inconsistency in applying the laws. 

The second half became increasingly mired in a midfield battle, which seemed to suit the visitors' gameplan more. Defensively, they were very well organised, giving the Blues front line very little to feed off. Oscar Shelvey shot wide and Stimson put a tame shot straight at Robinson.

At the other end Bennet got on the end of a long clearance but his shot was blocked for a corner, from which Zack Littlejohn could have extended the lead but his header missed the target. Late on Nat Mardell went for the spectacular but hooked the ball over the bar.

Both managers emptied the bench, looking for the spark that would make the difference but none of the replacements were able to bring anything new to the party.

And the late dismissal of Blower after a clash with a Stanway player only added to Grays' belief they got a rough deal from the man in charge.

Grays' next outing, on Saturday, 31 January, could be pivotal in their season as they travel to bottom club Brantham - who have just one win, against fellow strugglers Downham, and three draws to their name.

Anything other than an emphatic win for Darren Manning's side will be a disappointment for Blues supporters.

Grays Ath : Marsh, Paxman (86, Nolan-Samuels), Norton, Walker, Moss, J.Clark, Elegushi (64, Ogunrinde), Shelvey (71, Blower), Stimson, Sartorius, Hepburn (74, Gordon). Sub not used : L.Clark