Hanwell Town 2, Grays Athletic 1

THERE was a justifiable feeling of disappointment and anger mixed with pride and appreciation as Grays bowed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy in controversial circumstances on Saturday (4 October).

Step three Hanwell from the Southern Football League Premier Division were outplayed by their lower tier Isthmian North visitors for lengthy periods in the match, with Grays showing great skill, determination and composure to master the very windy conditions with no lack of skill.

It was truly a performance to be proud of against opposition from a higher level.

However, what the large travelling (and noisy) Blues contingent of fans will remember most is a performance by referee Mr Chris Williams, that was universally described by those watching as 'an absolute shocker'.

Time and again, he seemed to do Grays no favours whatsoever, with decisions that appeared to be, at best, dubious. His decisions were described as 'a catalogue of the inexplicable' by away (and many home) supporters!

The game started at a furious pace. There were early chances at both ends. Jordy Mongoy and Dan Carr for the home side, Aron Gordon and Tyler Brampton for the visitors.

As the match went on though, Grays became the dominant side but couldn't find a breakthrough against a determined Hanwell back line.

Gordon again created a chance for himself with a typical mazy run before Joe Paxman had two chances in quick succession - one following great work by the industrious Harry Hope that he toe-ended bringing a save from home keeper Trent Carter-Rogers and the second a shot from distance that was blocked.

As the half progressed, Grays played some lovely passing football, showing the fans what they can really deliver. And it was from one of these passages of play that the best chance fell to Tyler Brampton, whose shot cleared the bar.

They were also pressing up high on Hanwell, forcing them to hit long balls with the following wind which Lewis Clark was invariably able to marshall out of play.

Hanwell then stepped up a gear. Mongoy brought a fine save from George Marsh with a lovely curling shot that looked like it was just going inside the far post and then the speedy Gianni Crichlow forced the Blues defence into a double block when he broke clear from midfield.

But it remained goalless going into the break.

The second half started equally brightly, with Jayden Silcott-Brown on after the break and immediately causing issues down the right wing. And it was his sublime cross that was met (for the second Saturday running) close in by the head of Aron Gordon, to give Grays a lead, giving the fans even more reason to make some noise.

However, the goal seemed to spark Hanwell into life. Just eight minutes after Grays scored, they lost the ball in midfield and Joe Wilson took over. He cut in from the left and his shot was deflected past the helpless Marsh, to equalise.

The home side were having their best period of the game, with Marsh much the busier keeper. Wilson fed Harry Rice who just cleared the bar. Then the decisive moment when Carr's free kick from the right was met unchallenged by the head of Harry Seabrook to give Hanwell a 2-1 lead.

Then, with ten minutes of normal time left came the most controversial incident of the afternoon. Callum Fitzer and Sam Bantick, both off the bench, broke clear with the Hanwell defenders chasing back and only the keeper in front of them. Fitzer went down in the area – 'red card, penalty, surely' thought the fans - but no, Mr Willams decided it was a free kick to Hanwell.

After a series of questionable judgements all afternoon it was the soured icing on the cake for the Grays players who stood simply dumbfounded at the decision.

Both sides carried on attacking. Mongoy and Brad Clayton brought good saves out of Marsh, as at the other end did Alfie Wellens and Sid Walker from Carter-Rogers. Deep into added time, Blues continued to press. Silcott-Brown brought a panicked clearance from the home defence and Bantick almost squirmed his way through to goal.

But it was not to be and Hanwell held on for the win though the whole Blues squad should feel proud of their effort, standing toe-to-toe with higher ranked opponents. They will though feel mightily aggrieved, with much justification.

However, there is the quick chance to get back on a winning course, with league games coming thick and fast over the next couple of weeks. Performances like this promise much for the future, starting with a trip to Brightlingsea Regent on Tuesday (7 October).

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton, Joynes, Norton (46, Silcott-Brown), L.Clark, Jude, Walker, Wellens, Hope, Paxman (70, Bantick), Gordon (57, Fitzer). Subs not used : Turner, Romer

Meanwhile Grays have confirme that the home BBC Essex Senior Cup third round tie against Southend United will take place on Tuesday, 21 October at the EMR Stadium. Kick Off 7:45pm.