After two unsuccessful trips to East Anglia, Grays return to the EMR stadium for a crucial Easter Holiday double header. First up on Saturday 4th April, we host Brightlingsea Regent, then, on Easter Monday, we are the away side, as we renew rivalry with Tilbury, in a game that has even more on it than usual. Both games have a 3.00pm kick off.

Also make sure on Saturday that you've got your Easter Raffle tickets ready for the results and listen out at half time for the latest £150 Big Draw - are you in ? Only £10 a month, with a chance to win a monthly prize or the end of season jackpot worth several thousand £££.

Voting slips will also be available for fans to cast their vote for our player of the season - the trophy to be presented at our end of year awards evening. Watch out for details.

Last season's fixture with Brightlingsea at the EMR, saw a good performance from our visitors who scored twice in the first half through Harry McDonald and Kenzo Shabazz Edwards. Samir Ali halved the deficit midway through the second half, but Regent managed the remainder of the game with relative ease.

Our Last Game Against Regent

In the reverse fixture this season, Grays picked up three points at The Taydal, courtesy of a fine strike from substitute, Sam Bantick. Regent had earlier been reduced to 10 men when skipper Charlie Durling was shown a straight red card for a forceful tackle that was deemed dangerous by the referee.

Head to Head Record

That result left the head to head record against Regent as P6 W3 L3. One of those games was a heavy defeat in the Velocity Cup and the other five were in the League, where Blues edge it with 3 wins to 2.

Regent's Manager

In the dugout for Brightlingsea are Ryan Salter and assistant Mick Hanna. Ryan returned to the club during last season and built on the good work done by his predecessor, Brett Munyard, developing a young team full of attacking talent. They made last season's play off final against Bury Town at Ram Meadow, losing to a 94th minute winner from the Suffolk side.

Regent's 25/26 Season

The current campaign has not been as successful for Regent, which is hardly surprising given the number of quality players that left in close season. They visit us in a safe 12th place with 50 points from 37 games played. When we won the reverse fixture in early October, they were in the bottom 4, but it was clear from their performance that evening that they would soon be climbing the table.

Top Scorers for the Opposition

Regent's top scorers this season are Jake Clowsley with 11 (10 in the league), ex Blue, Shame Temple has 10 (8) and Daniel Rowe 7 (7).

Current Form

Regent's last 6 games shows W2 D2 L2 with 3 goals for and 6 against.
In their last 6 away games, they have W1 D2 L3 with 5 goals for and 10 against.
Blues last 6 games have resulted in a depressing W1 D1 L4 with 3 goals for and 8 against.
However, our last 6 home games looks more positive with W3 L3 and 6 goals for and 6 against.

Last Time

On Saturday, Regent enjoyed a fine win at The Taydal against play off chasing Bowers and Pitsea. There was only one goal in the game, scored after 12 minutes by Harry McDonald with an excellent shot from long range that found the top corner. It sounds as if the game was an entertaining affair with both sides going for the win.

For Blues, it was a case of same old, same old on the road in East Anglia. A 6 pointer against Mildenhall was billed by the home side as their most important game in 2 years, and they raised their game accordingly.

Blues cause was not helped by the unavailability of Jordan Clarke and Myles Anderson, as the curse of the centre half struck yet again, but it was fantastic to see Tyler Brampton back in the line up and he did well to last until deep into the second half.

Our start was awful, a terrible goal (from a defensive point of view) conceded after three minutes. The response was good, with Connor Martin guiding a fine header in from Ned Hepburn's free kick. Sadly, in the second 45 minutes, Blues did not show up at all, certainly in an attacking sense. The penalty for The Hall, was another one of those mystery decisions which only the official can explain. It was crucial, but reward for Hall's positive display in the second half.

Summary

Blues position has become more precarious, conceding position in the table to Mildenhall and now only a point ahead of Lowestoft Town in the final relegation place, following their win at Walthamstow.

This is now a test of character for each and every member of the squad. More performances like the 2nd half at Mildenhall are simply unacceptable. I'm sure Paul and Mitch will have the team fully motivated for our remaining games.

Regent are dangerous opponents; clearly capable and with no pressure on them. They will have a major say in the relegation battle. In their final 4 games, after hosting relegated Brantham, they visit Downham Town, before a home game against Takeley, finishing off with a visit to Lowestoft Town. No doubt they will want to finish as high as they can and will give it 100% in each of these games (please!).

One straw to hold on to for Saturday; we seem to have enjoyed playing teams starting with a "B" this season. So far played 7, won 7 (excluding pre-season friendlies). Hopefully this can continue against Brightlingsea.

As supporters, we need to make it to every game and carry on giving the team our total backing, starting with Saturday. So, whether this is your 1st game of the season or your 41st, come on down to the EMR and help us in our battle to stay at Step 4 next season.

Up The Ath!