Grays Athletic 1, Bury Town 0

AFTER a couple of weeks of distinctly below-par performances, Grays rediscovered the levels of commitment that had made them one of the early season front runners, with manager Lewis Dark making several key changes to the starting line-up that paid real dividends on Saturday (3 December)

Bury Town always provide challenging opposition but Blues had the guts and determination to see this Isthmian North game through.

The early exchanges were fast and furious but with few clear chances created at either end. Aron Gordon was making hay down the Grays left win, with Cruise Nyadzayo doing likewise for the visitors. Bury were though too often their own worst enemies, keeping assistant referees Messrs Vasile and Albert busy flagging for offside throughout the game.

Nyadzayo remained the visitors' best outlet and it was his shot across the goal after 20 minutes that was probably Bury's best chance of the afternoon. But soon after that, Grays showed what they can do when the mood takes. A fine team move down the left found Sam Bantick in the box and he squared the ball for the late-arriving Courtney Homans, who fired past the Bury keeper, Charlie Woods, for a 1-0 lead.

Grays were now in the ascendency. Gordon set up Malachi Toussaint, who dragged the ball wide of the post and a trademark Mitch Hahn long throw caused chaos in the Bury penalty area but no Blues player could find a clear way to goal. Gordon then broke clear and ran the length of the pitch but his cross found Bantick in an offside position.

The second half was all about how Grays could manage the game and prevent a comeback by the visitors.

And in truth, they passed the exam with something in hand.

Indeed, they looked the more likely of the two sides to add to the scoresheet, whilst ensuring that the defence remained well-marshalled. Mitch Hahn was having his best game for some time, patrolling the midfield and winning possession in dangerous areas. It was his long-range effort early in the half that set the tone and he and Malaki Toussaint combined to create a chance for Gordon that was blocked by a determined Bury defence. The visitors best chance to equalise came from a 25-yard free kick by Max Maughn but Danny Sambridge made a comfortable save, ideal for the cameras.

Callum Watts was industrious throughout in midfield and always looking to let fly from distance. Perhaps the best move of the game came on 80 minutes, when the Winn twins combined down the left and a beautifully flighted cross found Toussaint ghosting in at the far post. He stretched out a leg and his shot beat the keeper but agonisingly not the woodwork.

There was still time for Anointed Chukwu, off the bench, to show some fancy footwork on the edge of the box, but keeper Woods was equal to the shot.

Bury piled forward in the last ten minutes searching for that elusive chance, but Blues had put in too much effort across the game to relinquish the points.

So, a much improved performance from the Blues that reminded the faithful fans what this team is capable of. And three precious points to halt the recent slide down the table.

But more will be needed with Tuesday's re-arranged visit to Stowmarket following on quickly.