Grays Athletic return to the EMR stadium on Saturday 24th January, hosting high flying Stanway Rovers. Kick off is at 3pm. As we seem to say every week at the moment , with plenty of rain forecast over the next day or two, please keep an eye out on social media for any pitch inspection announcements.

We met Stanway at their FND & KMCO Community Stadium on 11th October and drew
1-1. The game was a proper battle with some robust challenges going unpunished by the referee. Rovers took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Joe Turpin. Grays equaliser came early in the second half from Callum Fitzer. One got the feeling we didn't see the best of either side on the day.

That was only our second competitive game with Rovers. We had previously met in a 4th Round Essex Senior Cup tie back in 2007, also played at Stanway. The Blues won 3-2 with goals from Mark Marshall, Ben Watson and Luis Cumbers. Grays also managed an own goal, scored by Andy Sambrook. Stanway's other scorer that day was Luke Callender, who played 8 times for Athletic in 2019/20, scoring once against Romford before being replaced by substitute, Manny Ogunrinde.

Rovers are enjoying an excellent first season at this level and are currently in 7th place with 43 points from 24 games. They are a point away from the final play off place, with games in hand over most of their rivals.

To give Stanway's achievements some context, the three other sides promoted into Isthmian North this season are currently in 19th, 21st and 22nd places, although Takeley did enjoy a 5-0 win midweek over struggling Lowestoft Town, to help their case.

Stanway have benefitted from continuity, with manager Jamie Shaw in his 3rd season in charge. Jamie is assisted by Alex Drennan. Many of their players had experience of Isthmian North with other clubs before joining Stanway and helping them to the Essex Senior League title last season.

They have won 12 league games of 24 played, with 7 of those wins coming away from home. One of those victories was in early December, at the EMR, against our landlords, Tilbury. Their two losses on the road came at old rivals, Takeley and at Waltham Abbey.

Top goalscorers this season are Nat Mardell with 17 (15 of those in the league) and Jamie Bennett with a 14 (9 in the league). These two young wingers are critical to the way Stanway attack. They were both placed on contracts before the season started and they are repaying the faith shown, having fantastic seasons.

Since our meeting on 11th October, Rovers interest in Cup competitions came to an end. They were knocked out in the 1st Round of the F.A.Trophy by Harrow Borough and in the League Cup they lost to Redbridge.

There have been some recent player moves, with influential midfielder Conor Hubble returning to Canvey Island and Hassan Nalbant joining Tilbury. Coming into their squad are Zack Littlejohn and Oli Fraser both initially on loan from Maldon and Tiptree, although Littlejohn has now signed, permanently. Stanway also signed goalkeeper, Oliver Pipa, on loan from Luton Town.

Current Form

In their last 6 games, Stanway have W4 D1 L1 with 10 goals for and 4 against. Their last 6 games away shows a record of W5 L1 with 12 goals for and 4 against. The 15 points earned out of a possible 18, is the best in the division.

Grays last 6 games have resulted in W2 D1 L3 with 9 goals for and 13 against. Our last 6 at home have resulted in a record of W3 L3 with 9 goals for and 9 against.

Last Time

Stanway avenged their defeat to play off rivals Waltham Abbey with an impressive 2-1 victory at the FND & KMCO Community Stadium. They went behind in the first half but goals from skipper, Joe Debell and Jamie Bennett turned things round and earned the 3 points. Oliver Pipa was the man of the match after a fine debut in goal.

Grays earned a good point at in form Cambridge City in a 0-0 draw. The team were disrupted by yet another injury, with Manny Ogunrinde unavailable due to a hamstring strain. There was a debut for new loan signing, Ned Hepburn, playing his first senior game, with Toheeb Elegushi moved to centre forward. The whole team showed togetherness and resilience, led superbly by Jordan Clark, limiting City to few chances.

This is going to be a tough game against a side full of confidence who are well in the mix for the play offs. Grays have shown great spirit in the last two games but will need to find more to threaten a Stanway defence that has conceded just 7 goals in their last 10 league games.

Please join us at The EMR Stadium on Saturday and get right behind The Blues. Your support always makes a difference!

COYB!