Grays Athletic 4, Downham Town 3

THE first ever clash between these two sides turning into a seven goal Isthmian North thriller at Chadfields, which survived a late pitch inspection on Saturday morning (6 December). Grays held the lead four times in the match, only hanging on late in the day after conceding three equalisers.

There was to be just one goal in an even first half, coming after 18 minutes when the diminutive Sidney Walker timed his position perfectly to attack the ball from a corner from close range and it hit the back of the net - though whether either him or a defender got the touch is debatable but he deserved the plaudits for being in the right place at the right time.

The visitors drew level early in the second half after Grays conceded a free kick outside the box. Eoin McQuaid struck the ball sweetly to find the back of the net round the Blues' wall, with keeper George Marsh not moving.

They weren't level for long, as a poor backheader exposed visiting keeper Jasper Briggs to the onrushing Michael Bareck, who took two touches to get the ball under control and swept it home.

 But again, Town hit back, when Grays only half cleared a ball into the box. It was delivered back to the far post where an unmarked Jack Gould stooped to head it home.

There was something similar at the other end ten minutes from time when a second delivery into the Downham box was met by an unmarked Jordan Clarke who headed in from close range.

Resilient Downham were to hit back once more, though it was with a touch of fortune as Will Moxon's attempted cross drifted over Marsh into the net.

It seemed honours would be shared after an entertaining encounter, but three minutes from time Alex Moss delivered an early Christmas present for Blues fans when his flicked header in a crowded box found the back of the net.

In added time there was an unsavoury end to the match when Grays' goalscorer Walker and Town's Nathan Davis were sent off after a skirmish that ended with more than a dozen players flying in to intervene.

Grays face a tough test next weekend when they travel to second-placed Maldon& Tiptree.