Grays knew that their re-arranged assignment away at Stowmarket would provide a stern test. The Suffolk outfit are well-resourced, with a squad deep in talent, having already knocked Blues out of the FA Trophy at Parkside just a few weeks ago (albeit on penalties).
Grays started brightly, pressurising the home defence well when out of possession and looking to create openings of their own. Aron Gordon and Malaki Toussaint were especially lively and created a couple of early chances. Things were looking promising. But gradually Stowmarket got about their work. Reggie Lamb brought the first save from Danny Sambridge and Josh Curry should have scored but put his header wide. The home side were using the width of the pitch with real effect. Kane Murray on the left and Tevan Allen on the right were a real menace all night.
And it was no surprise when Stowmarket took the lead just before the half hour. The ball was worked forward smartly and the cross found Ed Upson unmarked with the simplest tap in, to go 1-0 up.
A few minutes later came the game’s most controversial moment. A Stowmarket corner caused a scramble in the Grays penalty area. The ball fell to Joe Jefford who poked the ball home. However, Blues keeper, Danny Sambridge, appeared to be impeded by Jefford standing in an offside position. The linesman immediately brought this to referee Mr Bowles’ attention. But after a consultation, he chose to ignore the advice and allowed the goal to stand, giving the home side a 2-0 lead.
Just before the break, Grays had the chance to halve the deficit, when Callum Watts and Sam Bantick exchanged neat passes, but home custodian, James Bradbrook came out bravely to smother Watts’ shot, injuring himself in the process.
Half time: Stowmarket 2 v 0 Grays Ath
Again after the break, Grays started the half the better of the two sides. Callum Watts again shot straight at Bradbrook, when a yard either side would have found the net. Courtney Homans and Lewis Clark then combined to find Bantick, whose shot curled agonisingly wide of the far post.
Stowmarket are though a strong, well-organised team and Grays became increasingly frustrated with their attempts to break down a resilient home defence, resorting too often to long balls that were easy fodder for the Stowmarket back line. And their cause was not helped by some of the officiating that frustrated their chances to get back in the game.
But in truth, Stowmarket were in control, seeing out the game with something to spare. Blues mounted one final attack. Ryan Melaugh, off the bench, was fouled on the edge of the area and Bantick’s free kick deflected wide for a corner, from which George Winn headed into the side netting.
The win extended Stowmarket’s unbeaten league run to thirteen games. There were signs of some good play from Grays but not enough to trouble the victors.
Final score: Stowmarket 2 v 0 Grays Ath
Grays Ath: Sambridge, Homans, G.Winn, R.Winn (Chukwu, 46), L.Clark, Okonkwo (Joynes, 29), Gordon, Toussaint, Bantick, Hahn (Melaugh, 72), Watts
Subs not used: Griek,