Grays Ath 2 v 1 Lowestoft Town

With injury, covid and illness leaving Lewis Dark down to Harry Redknapp’s famous “bare bones”, even being forced to name himself on the bench, Blues faced up to the visit of Lowestoft with some trepidation. However, the whole squad (who were available) produced a fine performance to leave Parkside with a thoroughly-deserved, if unexpected, three points.
Grays came out of the blocks quickly and could have opened the scoring in just the second minute. Courtney Homan’s pass split the visitors’ defence, finding Damani Hunter out wide and his cross was met by Troy Osei-Bobie, who brought a save out of Warren Burwood.
Things took a turn for the worse for Grays when Hunter limped off in just the 8th minute, to be replaced by Marlon Agyakwa, who quickly created two chances to worry the Lowestoft defence. But Blues were not to be denied a reward for their bright start. Macauley Joynes’ corner in the 18th minute was met by the high-flying Osei-Bobie whose strong header found the net for a 1-0 lead.
Agyakwa then created another chance, with a fine cross, met by Callum Leahy, but Burwood saved well, low down. It was then Aron Gordon’s turn to test the visitors’ keeper, with a tricky run into box and firm shot. But again, Burwood was up to the task.
As the half wore on, Lowestoft worked themselves into the game, being quicker to the loose ball and pressing Blues down both wings. Jake Reed found himself free but stopped by an offside flag; Sam Johnson tested Danny Sambridge from distance; and Kyle Haylock shot wide.

Half time: Grays Ath 1 v 0 Lowestoft Town

Lowestoft came out looking for an early equaliser. Johnson forced a corner from which Adam Hipperson’s shot forced a good low save from Sambridge. But the Grays back line were holding firm and keeping the prolific Lowestoft attack at bay.
Joynes was getting forward well down the left for Blues and his great cross was fingertipped away by Burwood, before Gordon and Roman Campbell combined well to find Agyakwa, who again forced the keeper to save.
The pressure finally told with a quarter of an hour to go, when another Joynes corner found George Winn by the penalty spot. His header caused a scrum in the six yard box and sub Sam Bantick was on hand to help the ball over the line from close range. 2-0 to the Blues.
Five minutes later, referee Mr Keane gave Lowestoft a potential lifeline. Haylock went down in the box under minimal challenge but the penalty was awarded, which Hipperson dispatched clinically.
Conversely, at the other end, the referee chose to wave away a vociferous shout for handball, incensing many of the Grays players. Sambridge was then called on again to preserve the lead, palming over a free kick from sub Owen Lane.
In injury time, Grays really should have put the game to bed, when with the visitors throwing everything forward, Gordon ran the length of the field and found Bantick unmarked. But somehow, the Blues leading marksman screwed the ball wide.
Both sides are to be commended for a great game of football but all credit to Grays, especially the players who dragged themselves from their sickbays to Parkside, to play their part. A real demonstration of the team spirit that Lewis Dark has created within his squad. The win put the Blues back into a playoff place but there is all to play for as the season enters its final lap.
Final score: Grays Ath 2 v 1 Lowestoft Town
Grays Ath: Sambridge, Homans, Joynes, R.Winn, L.Clark, Leahy (Lynch, 88), Gordon, Osei-Bobie (Bantick, 59), Campbell, G.Winn, Hunter (Agyakwa, 8)
Subs not used: Dark