Grays could and should have opened the scoring in the 2nd minute when Jordan Wilson failed to latch onto a deceptive Jay Siva cross. With another chance a minute later, the early stages looked like Grays had Hastings for the taking.

Hastings are struggling down near the bottom of the Ryman Div One South but proved to be durable. However, the free kick count mounted as Hastings took an aggressive strategy to the game.

Hastings first chance came in the 21st minute, when a fierce shot was strongly parried away by Grays keeper Conor Gough.

If there was a criticism of Grays's play it was that the attackers were too distant from each other. Jamie Guy seemed to be constantly looking for someone to connect with.

Good work by Freddie Ladapo on the right earned a corner as it looked like the most productive area for the Blues.

But the first half was punctuated by Grays struggling to adapt to a very bumpy pitch.

Grays looked brighter at the start of the second half. They looked to play a more expansive game as it looked like Hastings could be stretched. Jordan Wilson had the bit between his teeth as he marauded forward.

A Jamie Guy overhead kick went close and a number of players made runs into the box but without really troubling Hastings.

Hasting's Tim Olorunda received a yellow card for a reckless challenge as the game became littered with unforced errors.

The best chance of the match fell to Hasting's Frankie Sawyer who had a clear site on goal from six yards but drive it across the box.

In the 67th minute, Freddie Ladapo was clear on goal with just the keeper to beat but the keeper, Josh Pelling seemed to take him out. The referee ignored the appeals much to the chagrin of Grays boss Jody Brown.

Just when you thought it was going to a replay, Freddie Ladapo burst into the box and was pulled down by defender Tim Olorunda. It looked like a very harsh decision.

Striker Ladapo stepped up to take the penalty which was well saved by the keeper Josh Pelling. Ladapo managed to make no mistake with the re-bound and blasted Grays into the third qualifying round.

Grays Ath: Gough C, Yala R (Zefara J 73), Siva J, Bentley M, Parry I, Leader J, Lapado F, Beaney K, Guy J (Carlos J 61), Wilson J, Bryan C (Gb-Dumaka D 82)

Subs not used: Marfo A, Little G, Griffiths L, Wootten E

Cautions

Hastings Utd: Jamahl Kings, Tim Olorunde

Grays Ath: Mark Bentley

Hastings United: Pelling J, Rowe R, Crutwell S (Masters B 53), Olorunda T, Kings J, Adama S, Cook D, Dolan R, Olorunda A, Sawyer F, Alassan T.

Subs not used: Bright T, Bankole O, Ray S

Att:219

Ref: L.Forrester

Read more at http://www.yourthurrock.com/Football-Grays-Ath/story-23008636-detail/story.html#9YrAre4uP6dvc7gV.99

To watch match highlights and interview with Jody Brown go tohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoSpyNfgbfE