For long periods on a cold Tuesday evening on Canvey Island, the fans of Grays Ath and Concord Rangers waited patiently for a game of football to break out, in a game that was definitely not for those seeking the beautiful game. But the Blues faithful will not care one jot, as their side recorded their first victory since mid-January.

Concord set their stall out early, playing fast, aggressive long ball football, with the Grays defence having to be on their guard from the outset. And in the early exchanges, it looked as if the tactic might work, but the home side couldn’t work a clear opening to trouble Blues’ keeper Danny Sambridge. Grays looked to play mainly on the break but were equally stymied by the home defence, with no more than half-chances for Shane Temple and Sam Bantick. The most dangerous opening came from Tyler Brampton, whose ball into the box was well cleared by Lewis Jaggs.

As the half wore on, Grays came more into the game and looked the more likely to score. Harry Hope and Bantick both missed the target before Alejandro Machado went on a fine run before having his shot blocked. The home side also created a chance through Montrell Deslandes, who brought Sambridge into action for the first time in the evening.

With the half drawing to a close, the deadlock was broken, when a mistake in the home defence, left Sam Bantick in the clear and there was never any doubt that he would win the one-on-one challenge with Concord keeper, Harry Seaden and he finished confidently to give Blues a 1-0 lead.

And there was still time before the whistle for Bantick to swing in a corner that struck the post in the midst of a scrum of players.

Half time : Concord Rangers 0 v 1 Grays Athletic

Concord came out for the second half in the same vein, creating early chances for Kennedy Mupomba and Harvey Brown but neither could find a finish. Sub Kian Cocking then showed some fancy footwork but he too shot wide of the mark.

Blues almost doubled their advantage when Shane Temple made great strides down the right wing and his cross found Harry Hope but Seaden was well positioned to save. Off the bench, Aron Gordon, added urgency to the Blues attack. He combined well with both Elliott Sartorius and Sam Bantick to create further chances but without creating too much alarm.

Sartorius also picked out Machado with a great cross and Seaden had to be sharp to push the ball round the post. With five minutes left the tables were turned, when Machado created a great chance for Sartorius but he flicked the ball wide from close range.

With the game moving into added time, Blues dropped ever deeper, determined to preserve their lead. The back four of Brampton, Finneran, Jude and Moss were resolute throughout and can be proud of their collective performance across the 90 minutes. Even the sight of keeper Seadon joining the attack was not enough for Concord to break through and Blues held on.

After the game, manager Darren Manning was delighted with the victory, recognising it as fair reward for recent efforts both on the pitch and in training. Hopefully, the side can move on from here.

Final score : Concord Rangers 0 v 1 Grays Athletic

Grays Ath : Sambridge, Brampton, Moss, Machado, Finneran, Jude, Bantick (80, Ali), Walker, Temple (60, Gordon), Sartorius, Hope (61, Remi)

Subs not used: Skarna, Dariri