With a number of Grays players missing and others playing out of positon, the Blues should not be judged too harshly on what was a tough baptism for boss Jody Brown.

Both team started tentatively, feeling their way into a new season. Even on the sidelines, the new management team looked like they were studying their team carefully.

Billericay benefited from two free kicks in the first ten minutes but lacked real penetration. Frazer Shaw did a little bit better with a header in the 10th minute.

The first piece of real skill from Grays came in a piece of close control from Freddie Lapado as Grays tried to impose themselves however another half chance from Billiercay showed the momentum swinging their way.

Grays really should have scored in the 11th minute when Joe Benjamin walked around the defence shipped across but Freddie Lapado could do no more than scuff the ball towards goal.

A tackle from Aaron Best-Riley gave an indication that when he tackles you, you stay tackled!

A nasty tackle on Joe Benjamin saw Grays earn their first free kick as Joe Benjamin started to influence things.

The first Grays corner say more pinball in the Billericay area. There was a hesitancy in the home teams defence. A minute later, Leroy Griffith nearly got in around the back.

Manager Jody Brown watched from the stand as he surveyed the first half.

Grays were lucky to get away with a last man tackle when.

Grays were starting to boss the midfield and keeper Gough's quick punts up field were unsettling the home team central defenders.

The game looked like it would be settled by a stray ball as many of the attacks ended in melees in either goalmouth.

Leroy Griffiths again nearly sneaked in at the back and at the other end, both Grays central defenders looked calm under pressure.

Keeper Conor Gough showed his class when he parried away a fine shot in the 41st minute.

The second half started slowly until the 55th minute when Gough saved a full stretch from a twenty yard shot. Another ball went across the Grays goalmouth and this now became a key section of the game.

The Grays midfield were not as dominant as the first half. In the 63rd minute a rampaging run from Joe Benjamin earned a free kick. The free kick failed to trouble the keeper.

A free header by sub Matt Pooley was headed off the line by Gray's Best-Riley as Grays started to creak.

Fans favourite Joao Carlos came on to inject some pace and invention into Grays.

A clumsy Best-Riley foul saw a free kick on the right side of the area. It was dinked over and in a goalmouth scramble, Ryan Scott scrambled the ball home from close range.

Grays had run out of stamina and ideas by this time.

The three points were wrapped up in the 85th minute when a Chris Benjamin rocket header from close range left Grays to reflect upon their first game of the season.

Grays Athletic

Gough C, Everett F, Best-Riley A, Glowacki J, Wilson J, Ruddock Y, Bryan C, Griffiths L (Akwasi M 79), Lapado F, Beaney K, Benjamin J (Carlos J 67)

Subs not used: , Williams T, Wootten E

Billericay: Lumley B, O'Hanlon G, Beavan G, Dunne C, Femiola D, Scott R, Webber C (Pooley M 60),, Poole G, Sappleton R, Benjamin C, Shaw F ( Appiah J 73)

Subs not used: Sappleton P,, Edwards J, Cancar M

Ref Mark Potkins

Att: 420

To watch video highlights of this match and interview with Manager Jody Brown please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRei45VjsU8

With thanks to Yorthurrock for the report and video