Like most local derbies, there is plenty at stake in terms of bragging rights (at least until the next encounter). In front of a large and lively crowd on Bank Holiday Monday, Grays Ath and Tilbury fought out a tough goalless draw that both ended the Blues winning run and ended the Dockers hopes of nicking the final playoff spot.

For long periods, the game was far from a classic with too many misplaced passes but still with the occasional robust challenge that fans from both sides expect from El Chavico.

Grays had the first chance of the game when a Sam Bantick corner was headed back across the box by Michael FInneran but Alejandro Machado’s lob shot was comfortably saved by Thomas Middlehurst in the Tilbury goal.

Blues were then forced into an early change when Tyler Brampton went down without challenge and had to be stretchered off. It looked a nasty one.

Although the Dockers were having the lion’s share of possession, Blues seemed to be creating the better chances. A Louie Remi long throw was met by Alex Moss and only tipped out by Middlehurst; then FInneran got his head to the resulting corner but put the chance wide.

For TIlbury, Dan Trendell shot wide and Alex Fernandez brought a comfortable save out of Danny Sambridge, playing his last home game between the sticks in a Blue shirt. But that aside, the Grays defence kept up their recent impressive record of shutting out the opposition. As you would expect for a local derby, there were plenty of tight match-ups across the pitch. Sid Walker crossed swords several times with Kieran Jones, whilst Elliott Sartorius was regularly faced with Oli Spooner and Jordan Clark in midfield.

Around the half hour mark, Grays had two excellent chances to break the deadlock. FIrstly Harry Hope sent a fine ball through the Dockers box but it evaded everyone and then soon after a Louie Remi long range shot went through Middlehurst’s hands onto the bar and then rebounded back into the keeper’s grateful hands.

Half time : Grays Ath 0 v 0 Tilbury

Tilbury started the second half very much on the front foot, knowing that only a win would maintain their outside chance of a playoff place. Fernandez, for once managed to escape from the Blues backline but Sambridge was alert to clear the danger.

Then, another serious incident, this time with Dockers full-back Alfie Fry coming off worse and going down with what looked like a nasty concussion. He was taken off to hospital for a check-up and, of course, we wish him well and hope there is no serious damage.

Grays were starting to play their way more into the game. Harry Hope should have done better with a close-range effort that went over the bar and then Alejandro Machado took aim with a free kick from outside the box that, again, Middlehurst was forced to help over the bar.
The game then got bogged down into a long midfield battle, with neither side able to impose themselves on proceedings. Tilbury brought Darren Phillips off the bench and he started to win more possession for the Dockers but they were still unable to fashion a clear opening.

The final chance though fell to Blues. Nice passing between Bantick and Machado set Sartorius clear inside the visitors’ box but Middlehurst stood tall and denied Grays the win.

At the end of the day, a draw was probably a fair result, with neither side doing enough to win the game. Manager, Darren Manning was pleased with the overall performance against a determined Tilbury side, who will no doubt come again. Thanks also to the more than 800 of you that came out to support non-league football - the lifeblood of the game.

We send our congratulations to Brentwood Town on winning the division after their home win today against relegated Basildon Utd. And we will watch the playoffs with interest, after next weekend’s final round of fixtures. Bury Town, Felixstowe & Walton, Waltham Abbey and Brightlingsea Regent are all worthy contenders for the final promotion place and it would be a brave man who would place a bet on the outcome with any confidence. Again, we wish them all well.

Grays close out their season next Saturday with a visit to east London to take on already relegated Sporting Bengal. One final outing before the summer’s break - for players and fans alike.

Final score : Grays Athletic 0 v 0 Tilbury

Grays Ath : Sambridge, Brampton (5, Dariri), Moss, Machado, Finneran, Jude, Sartorius, Walker, Bantick, Hope (64, Gordon), Remi

Subs not used : Skarna, Hirst, Temple