Grays play out bore draw at Witham Town on Saturday

The first chance of the game went to Grays in the 3rd minute as Leon Lalite and Kenny Beaney linked up well on the edge of the area before the latter fired narrowly over the bar.

In the 9th minute a free kick from the right was swung into the Witham box where Luke Marshall flicked the ball on and went narrowly passed the far post.

Grays created another chance in the 27th minute as Craig Pope and Kenny Beaney played a good one-two which allowed Pope a run on goal but as he closed on goal to shoot, he slipped at the vital moment, allowing Jason Baker to collect the ball easily.

The final chance of a very dull first half came in the 31st minute as corner to Grays was cleared to the edge of the area where Leon Lalite found space to fire towards goal, but the ball went high over the bar.

Grays started the second half brightly and almost took the lead in the first minute. Kenny Beaney found space on the right wing to fire a cross into the box where Joe Sweeney had a free header from six yards out but his tame effort was straight at James Baker.

Another cross from the right on the hour mark, this time by Joe Sweeney fell to Junior Baker in the box but his snap shot from six yards went narrowly over the bar.

Grays best chance of the game fell to Junior Baker in the 69th minute as a corner from the left came to Baker on the penalty spot and his volley looked to be heading for the bottom corner of the net before being cleared off the line.

Grays made late substitutions replacing Joao Carlos, Leon Lalite and Luke Marshall with Danny Bunce, Jake Hall and Jared Small respectively.

However, the changes made little effect as Grays struggled to break down a resolute Witham Town, who failed to have one shot on target in ninety minutes at home.

The point still ensured Grays closed the gap on leaders Maldon & Tiptree who suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Thamesmead Town.

Grays Athletic: Lamar Johnson, Craig Pope, Junior Baker, Ryan Kirby, Lee Flynn, Luke Marshall (Jared Small 85), Kenny Beaney, Leon Lalite (Jake Hall 85), Joao Carlos (Danny Bunce 70), Joe Sweeney, Jack West

Unused Subs: George Kamurasi, Daniel Subuola