Blues did all that was asked of them on Saturday and with just eight minutes of a long and eventful season remaining were occupying the last playoff spot as nearest rivals Met Police were trailing by a single goal to relegation bound Hornchurch,but two goals in the 82nd and 89th minutes ensured the Met would claim that coveted prize.Although Enfield who won their game sit in fifth place they are expected to be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in an earlier game.

Grays were without the suspended DD Dumaka and injured Correy Davidson leaving them short of fire power up front with Bradley Fortnum-Tomlinson as the only recognised striker,Manager Bentley had to reshuffle the pack bringing back Harry Agonbar and triple hat trick under 21 striker Brian Moses elevated to the bench.

The Blues endured some early pressure as Kingstonian took the game to the visitors winning a corner in the second minute although the subsequent kick was cleared from danger.Gomez tested Gough with a cross gathered at the second attempt .Gough was called into action shortly after blocking Hammond's shot after a good run.

Grays for a side chasing a playoff place were looking lethargic with no real urgency to their play resulting in a turgid opening period with no real flow to the game.Kingstonian looked the more hungry of the two sides and It was not until twelfth minute that the visitors provided any threat.James Stevens released Tomlinson but he failed to test home keeper Dudsinski firing over from the edge of the box.Nathan Ferguson then played in Joao Carlos but his effort was saved comfortably by Dudsinski.

The home side were capitalising on some careless Grays passing allowing them to pressurise the visitors goal,A corner caused panic in the Blues box the ball seeming like a hot potato pinging around the six yard box Gough finally claiming the ball.

Kenny Beaney playing his two hundredth game for the club won a free kick just outside the home area, Agonbar's kick found Carlos who turned quickly but his shot lacked power and sailed harmlessly wide.Grays play still lacked urgency and they were guilty of overplaying the ball in the last third illustrated when Tomlinson made a quick break playing the ball to Ferguson who found James Stevens in space but he elected to pass when a shot was the better option.

The home side could have gone ahead just before the break when the tricky Henry broke quickly surging past Leader he unleashed a drive which just cleared the far post in the last action of a half that did not live long in the memory.

HT 0-0

Whatever Blues manager Bentley said to his players in the break it certainly had a galvanising effect as they came flying out of the blocks in the second half. With only two minutes of the half played Beaney played the ball to Stevens who saw his shot deflected for a corner,Cronin's header from the kick initially lacked power but the ball dropped invitingly at his feet and he quickly turned and rifled the ball home to the delight of the large number of noisy Blues fans.

Grays were now playing with more urgency and fluency taking more care in possession as a result they began to ask the home defence questions. Beaney did well to retrieve an over hit Agonbar cross he found Siva who quickly played the ball to Agonbar who's volley appeared to strike a Kingstonian hand but the referee waved play on.

The Blues increased their advantage in the 57th minute Agonbar played a delightful cross field pass into Jaoa Carlos who did well to chest the ball down and crash the ball past Dudsinski to bring his goal tally for the season to 15.

Kingstonian nearly pulled a goal back from a quick free kick Laidler sent in a teasing cross which just eluded the onrushing Gomez,the same player had another chance a moment later but his turn and shot lacked power.

As the game moved into the final period Grays began to dominate possession winning the midfield battle,Tomlinson latched on to a Stevens through ball but his shot was blocked.Agonbar made way for Jordan Wilson on 63 minutes he settled in quickly and played a neat ball to Leader but his fierce effort flew over.Glen Little replaced Ferguson as manager Bentley looked to close down the game,Grays now played possession football, Little sent in Wilson but hesitation cost him the chance to get in a shot and the danger was cleared,the tireless Tomlinson then cut in to the edge of the box firing in a shot that Dudsinski did well to hold ,it was to be his last contribution making way for Brian Moses.

A late flurry from Kingstonian saw Gough called into action saving from Laidler at the second attempt but it was the Blues who finished the stronger as they retained possession closing down the final minutes.

After a lacklustre opening half Grays dominating proceedings in the second period looking in control throughout which has been typical of their efforts since the turn of the year.One just wonders if Mark Bentley had been in charge from the start of the campaign then maybe the dream of returning to the Conference South could have been realised.Mention must also be made of the fantastic support of the Blues fans especially "Bentley's Barmy Army"who sang their hearts out throughout the game.

Every player has played his part in what has been another eventful and ultimately successful season for Grays Athletic let's just hope the nucleus of this team can be retained,certainly the ever loyal Blues fans will be right behind the club in what could be an exciting future both on and off the field.