Grays Athletic 0 v 2 Leiston

Grays Athletic 0 2 Leiston

Playoff contenders Leiston secured the points in a match that will not live long in the memory against an injury hit Grays who were forced to field a number of youngsters in their starting eleven the defeat probably ending Grays playoff hopes.

The opening period was a nondescript affair with neither side creating any chances of note although Leiston did have the ball in the net only to be ruled out for offside.

Grays build up play was neat and tidy but lacked penetration with visiting keeper Ashlee Jones rarely troubled unlike his counterpart Lamar Johnson who twice denied Leiston’s Gareth Heath first from a downward header and then a block save,the striker firing the rebound high and wide.

With the clock ticking down to half time it was Leiston who went in front on 43 minutes after Grays defender Nicky Simons pass was intercepted the ball eventually finding Heath who this time made no mistake beating the exposed Johnson.

HT0-1

Leiston had two opportunities to increase their advantage at the start of the second period but failed to capitalise on both .

Grays Ryan Richforde looked lively seeing plenty of the ball on the flanks he created the homesters best chance of the match chasing a ball that looked bound for a goal kick he managed to steer the ball into the box where Jermaine Osei’s flick brought a good save from Jones.

Johnson in the home goal made a another smart save from Stuart Boardley,Leiston were looking dangerous on the break.

The introduction of Bradley Tomlinson and Glen Little sparked Grays into life with Tomlinson utilising his pace out wide but despite the pressure they could not carve out a clear opening.

Leiston wrapped up the points in the 87th minute when a speculative cross caused confusion in the Grays area allowing the unmarked Jake Taylor to score from close range.