Grays Ath finally ended the run of defeats on Saturday, sharing the points with Mildenhall - although it was another game that they really should have taken more from, having had the greater share of possession and chances. The introduction of new signing Shane Temple upfront gave the attack a more balanced look and allowed Luke Hirst to drop back to a more favoured No10 role, rather than as the lone striker.

In truth, the game was slow to get going and my notebook recorded little of interest in the first twenty minutes, as the two sides sparred cautiously, both anxious not to make an early mistake. Grays could then though have taken the lead when Elliott Sartorius and Louie Remi combined well down the left and the latter’s cross was met by Luke Hirst, whose header was well saved low down by visiting keeper, Joshua Pope.

That seemed to wake up Mildenhall, who then had their first meaningful period of attack. Samuel Adetiba looked particularly dangerous, trying to break through the Blues defensive line. And once again, Grays conceded the first goal of the game (something that is becoming an annoying habit). They completely failed to deal with Alfie Connor’s 34th minute corner and Adetiba was left with the easiest of close-range tap-ins to take a 1-0 lead.

Blues could have equalised quickly when the ball spent a long time rebounding around the visitors’ six yard box and it was only Pope’s sharp reflexes that allowed him to get down and shovel the ball round the post to safety. Whilst at the other end, it was only Michael Finneran’s fine tackle that prevented Ryan Swift from having a clear sight of goal.

At least in this game, unlike in recent outings, Grays kept the half time deficit to just one goal.

Half time : Grays Athletic 0 v 1 Mildenhall Town

The second half started with an exchange of chances. Adetiba broke clear following a Grays corner but Blues got enough men back quickly to snuff out the chance and then Temple went on a fine run from inside his own half, only to lose his footing at the vital moment. But Blues were cranking up the pressure and it eventually told when Tyler Brampton delivered a perfect cross from the right, Temple caused confusion in the box and the ball fell to Luke Hirst who finished smartly to draw the scores level.

A key moment of the game then came on 70 minutes when the influential Connor received his second yellow card, for a high foot on George Craddock and received his marching orders from referee Mr Duffy. Grays sensed the opportunity but ultimately it was one they couldn’t take. Aron Gordon, off the bench, rolled a delightful ball across the six yard box but just out of the reach of the advancing forwards and then Craddock set up Hirst and everyone stood and watched as the ball trickled just wide of the post.

Hirst again thought he had scored but this time was denied by a goal-line clearance from Jed Wigley. Mildenhall, although down to ten men, were still dangerous on the break and another timely interception from Finneran again denied Swift.
Grays through everything at the last five minutes. Louie Remi’s fine footwork sent Samir Ali clear, only for the referee to forget the advantage rule and bring play back for a Blues free kick. Ali was then again denied by Pope pushing his late effort round the post.

So whilst Grays finally put a point on the board after four straight losses, they had enough here to have taken all three. After the game, manager Darren Manning couldn’t fault the commitment of the team against a well-organised opposition, on a heavy pitch that again made sharp play difficult. But in this league there is a fine line between success and failure - and marginal increases should again see Blues back to winning ways before long.

Final score : Grays Athletic 1 v 1 Mildenhall Town

Grays Ath : Sambridge, Brampton, Remi, Dariri, Finneran, Moss, Ali, Sartorius, Hirst, Craddock, Temple (69, Gordon)

Subs not used : Smamshoum, Carlos, Williams, Hoskins