Grays Athletic celebrates its 125th Anniversary this season, and to mark this milestone the club will be hosting a Southend United XI this Saturday at Mill Field, where they currently ground-share with Aveley FC.

Formed in 1890 the Blues have in the their illustrious past reached the dizzy heights of the National Conference and who can forget their memorable two time FA Trophy wins at Villa Park and the Boelyn Ground in 2004/5 and 2005/6. The club have produced Premiership stars including Gary Hooper and Michael Kightly.

In more recreant times the club have found themselves at a crossroads. in 2009 they lost their spiritual home at the New Recreational ground to housing development.

Since moving from the Rec the club have found themselves leading a some what nomadic life, ground-sharing with East Thurrock, a somewhat controversial tenure at West Hams Rush Green ground, and more recently at Aveley FC where they current ply their trade. There is however a growing belief that the club will soon find themselves back in their own stadium in Grays as they begins talks with Thurrock Council and associated partners, there is hope that an announcement will be made before the end of the year.

A spokesman for the club said "This Saturdays match against Southend is a great opportunity for fans old and new to celebrate with Grays Athletic. It is quite a remarkable achievement to reach a 125th Anniversary, more so when you don't own your own ground.

"We do hope that our supporters will turn out in force on Saturday, and if you like what you see it would be great to see those supporters at our league games, the first being against Hendon a week today".

Saturday's game start at 1500, adult tickets are £6, concessions £4 and kids under the age of 14 is free entry.

COME ALONG AND CELEBRATE WITH US!