A goal at the last knockings of each half was enough for Bowers & Pitsea to leave Tilbury with all three points against Grays Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. In truth though, the visitors were the better side throughout and deserved the win.

The lively TQ Addy created the first chance of the game eight minutes in but Alejandro Machado was on hand to effect a fine block. One of the visitors’ main weapons were the exocet throw-ins from Lewis Chambers that threatened the six yard box every time. The Blues defence had to be on their guard at all times.

Blues responded through a long-range free-kick from debutant Lewis Duberry that missed the target. Anthony Page was then called into action to stop Matt Price who had broken through the line. On the half hour, Page was again in the mix when he was able to fall on the ball by the goal-line after an almighty scramble in the Grays six-yard box.

Addy then created another chance but this time, Jack Humphrey was the Blues saviour with a great last-ditch tackle. Grays were feeding off scraps - Charlie Stimson was felled on the edge of the box but Elliott Sartorius put the free kick wide.

Bowers almost took the lead on the stroke of half time when former Blues favourite, Geoffrey Okonkwo, rose highest from a corner but headed straight at Page. But they were not to be denied. With virtually the last kick of the half, Price again got onto the end of a long clearance and ran through to net with aplomb and a 1-0 lead.

Half time: Grays Athletic 0 v 1 Bowers & Pitsea

The second half produced little of note. The Blues defensive line was holding firm but there was little creativity further forward to threaten the visitors. Tariq Straker and Ben Williamson had chances for Bowers, whilst a long punt downfield from Page fell to Machado whose shot was comfortably saved by David Hughes. The visitors keeper almost turned villain with five minutes to go when he failed to hold onto another Duberry free kick. But the ball went straight up and he was able to hold on second time round before the Bues forwards could pounce.

Bowers wrapped up the points deep into injury time. This time Price turned provider, with good work down the left and his cross allowed another former Blue, Chris Millar, the easiest of finishes to make it 2-0.

So, a poor day at the office for Grays but we wish Bowers well in their push for promotion. Blues go again on Friday evening at Brentwood.

Final score: Grays Athletic 0 v 2 Bowers & Pitsea

Grays Ath: Page, Clarke, Humphrey, Machado, Finneran (Ashley, 51), Millner, Skarna, Duberry, Stimson, Crook, Sartorius (Maccari, 84)

Subs not used: Matyar, Wilson, Perry