Grays Athletic 1, Walthamstow 1

MATCH reports for Grays games are becoming rather formulaic of recent times - hard-fought contest, Blues putting in a decent performance, against a background of a lengthy injury list and coming out with a fair point.

Wednesday evening's (15 October) game against Wathamstow followed the script to the word.

Grays actually made a very bright start to the contest and there was a chance in just the second minute when Oscar Shelvey-Negus fed Luke Hirst and he released Sam Bantick who should have done better in a one-on-one against visiting keeper, David Hughes. And soon after Bantick turned provider but Jack Turner headed wide.

At the other end, Walthamstow were creating their own chances. Former Blue, Samir Ali drove the ball across the area but there was no-one on hand to apply the finish and then Ali should have done better but George Marsh stood strong.

Just after the midpoint of the half, the visitors unleashed their chief weapon, a brilliant long throw-in from the captain, Joe Elliott.

Other clubs have already fallen foul of the routine this season and Grays were the next in line. He propelled the ball deep into the six yard box creating panic in the home defence and there were several deflections before the ball ended up in the net, with no-one seeming to know who had the last touch - but it was probably an own-goal of some sorts.

But Blues didn't let their heads drop and when Tyler Brampton swung the ball into the danger area, Oscar Shelvey-Negus stooped bravely to head the ball past Hughes to equalise.

Another Elliott Exocet of a throw again caused consternation but this time Harry Hope was on the line to clear the ball.

The second half developed into a tight midfield battle. Both sides made changes off the bench but the defences held firm and neither keeper had to do. Brampton and Bantick combined to set up Luke Hirst but his shot went well wide of the target, as did an effort at the other end from Callum Ibe. Perhaps the best chance of the half fell to sub Brian Garzon for Walthamstow, on the end of a quick break - but after making ground into the penalty area, he lost his footing and went sprawling.

Walthamstow finished the game the stronger. Kye Jude blocked a shot from out wide from a Blue-of-old Jared Small and another more-recent player of our parish, Jordan Peart, crossed dangerously but the ball was well claimed by George Marsh.

At the end of the day, a point for each side was probably a fair return and keeps Blues' unbeaten league run going, although there will be a desire to start turning draws into wins.

A visit to old adversaries, Heybridge Swifts - who have just parted company with former Blues boss Julian Dicks - beckons on Saturday.

Grays Ath: Marsh, Brampton, Joynes, Walker, Jude, Turner, Paxman (74, Silcott-Brown), Shelvey-Negus (73, Gjonbala), Hirst, Hope, Bantick. Subs not used : Drew, Strugurian, J.Clark