Heybridge Swifts 1, Grays Athletic 0

SATURDAY'S Isthmian North clash between two sides desperate to inject momentum into a disappointing first quarter of the season was dominated by defences, but ultimately decided by a piece of individual skill.

There were few chances at either end in the first - and little more to entertain after the break.

However, Heybridge sub Samuel Adeyeye brought a touch of attacking quality when he came off the bench just before the hour and he produced the decisive moment on 77 minutes when he turned Grays defender Macaulay Joynes and delivered a fine cross which gave Andrew Fennell the chance to slot home the game's only goal.

The result leaves Grays in 16th place, just two points off the drop zone and they will have to wait until Halloween before they get the chance to chase league points again, when they go to high-flying Bowers & Pitsea. 

They return to action with a rare home Tuesday outing when they host Southend United in the BBC Essex Senior Cup in midweek (21 October) but have a blank weekend before taking on Redbridge away in the Isthmian Velocity Cup on Monday, 27 October.