Grays Athletic 1, Basildon United 1

GRAYS failed to pick up their first win of the season, but held early play-off hopefuls Basildon to a point on Friday (10 November) evening.

Before the Isthmian North game at the EMR Stadium, Thurrock Branch of the Royal British Legion led Remembrance commemorations.

Basildon took control in the early stages and after 17 minutes defender Kye Jude produced a fantastic looping header after he received a long ball from midfield.

The away side looked to extend their lead and had some good chances. But after a lively half it remained 0-1 to The Bees.

Blues looked to get back into the game and did just that after Charlie Stimson scored his third goal of the season in the 49th minute. Rob Clark won the ball and produced a cute, threaded pass to Stimson which was finished coolly. Stimson's first goal since 16 September against Bury Town, ending a near two month drought.

After Grays' equaliser the game looked pretty even, with the 282 in attendance hopeful of a goal. However, neither team could make the breakthrough. The Bees looked leggy in the latter stages and had to settle for a point.

Basildon manager Darren Manning, former coach at Grays, will be frustrated with the result. Coming into the game his side had won three out of four away games. 

Grays are now 11 without a win, but a draw made sure it wasn't three losses on the bounce. Blues will remain hopeful of three points when they host Brentwood Town on Saturday 18 November (3pm).