On Tuesday evening, Grays Athletic are due to travel to the Ground Aspect Arena to take on Concord Rangers in a fixture that was originally scheduled for 5th November.

Concord's home game on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and with further significant rain forecast on Monday, supporters are advised to check social media to see if the game goes ahead.

This is the first season the two clubs have met in league action, with Grays winning the reverse fixture at the EMR Stadium on 11th September, by 2-0. An early Luke Hirst goal and a terrific late free kick from Louie Remi ensured Grays earned the three points.

Previous meetings with Concord have been in the Essex Senior Cup. In 2022/23, Grays won 3-1 against a Concord side then playing in Conference South. The excitement of that result was short lived as Grays were subsequently removed from the competition due to inadvertently playing a cup tied player. Concord went on beat Canvey Island and then Hornchurch, both on penalties, to reach the final, before losing to Braintree Town.

Last season, the teams again met in the Senior Cup and after an even first half, a Harrison Day hat-trick powered Concord to a 5-0 win. Concord were knocked out in the Quarter Finals by eventual winners, Redbridge.

After two difficult seasons, both ending in relegation, this season's campaign has been one of consolidation for Concord. Four of their Eight league wins came early on, but there were early exits in all the Cup competitions, including a 5-4 loss to Basildon United in the League Cup.

Injuries have contributed to a loss of league form. Key striker, Anisius Lewis, hit 8 goals in 7 starts, before suffering a season ending ACL injury. Recently a run of 1 point from 7 league games was brought to a halt by a 1-0 win over Tilbury. That game, on 25th January, was the last time Concord played and they currently sit in 16th place, with 30 points from 26 games.

Grays have had a similarly difficult run with just one win in 11 games and on Saturday were well beaten by Bury Town. In that 11 game run, 25 goals have been conceded. This is in complete contrast to the first 13 league games where only 8 goals were conceded. Grays were in 5th after 13 games, but have now slipped to 13th, with 35 points from 27 games.

Both teams need the win to stay away from the teams below them and gain some much needed momentum.

MATCH INFORMATION

Concord's Ground Aspect Arena is in Thames Road on Canvey Island. By car, take the A130 from Saddlers Farm and follow this down to Canvey Road. After the traffic lights, turn right at the first mini roundabout on to Thorney Bay Road. Thames Road is the 3rd turning on the right and the stadium car park is on the left, after about 1/4 mile. The postcode is SS8 0HH.

For those using public transport, the nearest railway station is Benfleet. From here the 21, 21A and 21S bus services run to Thorney Bay Road and the ground can be reached on foot from there.

Let's hope the weather relents and the game can, at last, be played. We look forward to seeing you there. COYB!