Grays Athletic 1, Maldon & Tiptree 0

SUBSTITUTE Matas Skarna had a dramatic impact on Saturday (2 November) Isthmian North clash against Maldon & Tiptree at Chadfields, getting booked just two minutes after coming on in the 50th minute and then firing home a spectacular matchwinner five minutes later.

Both sides had suffered Velocity Cup defeats against higher-placed sides in midweek, though in differing fashion.

Grays were thumped 6-1 by Hashtag United, but it took a penalty shoot-out for Hornchurch to beat the Jammers

There was far less drama in today's match – until Skarna's effort when he replaced Alex Moss.

The win lifts Grays to eighth.

Grays will be back in action on Tuesday, 5 November, when they travel to Waltham Abbey in the BBC Essex Senior Cup.