After Tuesday evening’s Velocity Cup exit, Grays Athletic return to league action on Saturday, with a home fixture against our regular local visitors from Maldon & Tiptree.

A surprise to many, M&T have struggled in the league this season so far, with just ten points from eleven games. Their three wins have come away at Wroxham and at home to Cambridge City and Brightlingsea Regent. A draw against Tilbury completes their points haul. However, most of their games have been very tight, with often no more than one goal separating them from their opponents. Joint top-scorer this season is former Blue, Kien Connolly.

The cup competitions have provided mixed fortunes. Falling at the first hurdle in the FA Cup against Stanway Rovers, after a replay, was tempered by an excellent run in the FA Trophy with wins against neighbours Heybridge Swifts and Corby Town (on penalties), only succumbing in the 3rd Qualifying round with a 2-1 loss to Canvey Island.

Grays and Maldon & Tiptree have met regularly in the Isthmian League over the last fifteen years. Games between our two sides have always been competitive often with plenty of goals to keep the fans interested. Over that period, Maldon & Tiptree just have the edge, with eight victories to Grays’ six (with four draws).

And, of course, it was these two clubs who contested for the Isthmian Div 1 North title in 2012/13. Maldon & Tiptree were the long-time league leaders but Blues chipped away at the points difference, as they played (and won) their host of games in hand. A 2-0 win for Grays at Rush Green near the season proved decisive, as the Blues ran out league champions, in a season that was a credit to both sides.

Last season saw the clubs play out an August bank holiday 1-1 draw at the Wallace Binder thanks to a late equaliser for the home side from Andre Hasanally, after Troy Osei-Bobi had put Grays in the lead earlier in the second half. And then a New Year’s Day encounter saw Maldon & Tiptree take the three points away from Chadfields thanks to an early strike from Terrell Egbri that proved to be the only goal of the game.

Another close encounter looks to be on the cards for Saturday’s fixture. Kick off is at 3pm at the EMR Stadium, St Chad’s Rd, Tilbury RM18 8NL.

Come on You Blues !