Grays faced Walthamstow at Wadham Lodge on Tuesday evening, seeking a reaction from the disappointing defeat at Concord Rangers on Saturday.

There were 5 changes in the starting line up from Concord. Tyler Brampton returned for the injured Casey Nolan-Samuels, Joe Paxman replaced Macaulay Joynes and Jack Turner, Alfie Wellens and Jayden Silcott-Brown dropped to the bench to be replaced by Kye Jude, Jordan Clark and Luke Hirst.

Also on the bench alongside Jack, Alfie, Jayden and Aron Gordon, was new signing from Romford, Guy Norton.

At the kick off, it was strange to see Stow's goalkeeper, David Hughes, wearing a kit that was very similar to Grays all yellow away kit. You would think the referee would insist on a change of shirt to a contrasting colour.

Walthamstow tried to start on the front foot, but were unable to fashion a clear chance against a more determined Grays defence. Goalmouth action was limited to a series of very long throws from The Stow, ably dealt with by George Marsh and his defence. On one occasion, a howitzer of the throw cleared everything except the stand behind the goal.

After 20 minutes, Stow's Rashid Salau was set up by teammate Joe Elliott but headed the chance wide.

Grays had twice got into promising positions but were unable to find the final ball. On the second occasion the ball was cleared for a corner. Sam Bantick's delivery was not dealt with and Kye Jyde had what was Grays' clearest chance of the game, but volleyed over the bar from 6 yards out.

The half ended with Grays losing possession and a simple ball over the top catching the defence out. Pedro Carvalho burst through, but under pressure wasted the chance, firing wide of the post.

Half time : Walthamstow 0 v 0 Grays Athletic

Joe Paxman had a strong half in the very unfamiliar role of left back. Unfortunately Joe was the latest casualty of Grays's injury woes, picking up a hamstring injury. It meant a change was required at half time and a Blues debut for young Guy Norton.

The referee had been largely anonymous in the first half, issuing just one yellow card to ex Blue, Jordan Peart. However, as often seems to be the way these days, the second half was a different story as the man in the middle became the centre of attention. Within 8 minutes of the restart, cards had been give to another ex Blue, Callum Ibe, to Sid Walker and Stow's Tyrone Baker.

On 57 minutes, Oscar Shelvey-Negus, who had been the recipient of several robust challenges, was taken out in the middle of the park by a high challenge, but somehow found the decision going against him.

There was further controversy on 62 minutes as a back pass saw Stow's goalkeeper, David Hughes fail to control the ball, offering a half chance to the onrushing Luke Hirst. Following something akin to a rugby tackle, Luke was left face down in the area, but claims for a penalty were ignored by the official.

The remainder of the game was played out with both sides making substitutions. Grays repelled an increasing number of Walthamstow's attacks, and failing to make the most of a couple of opportunities to hit the homesters on the break.

In summary, a game that will not live long in the memory, but a valuable point away from home that leaves Grays in 17th place.

Again, the defence was generally solid, but the attack continues to be toothless with hardly a chance created. In fairness to the forwards, the service on many occasions has not been good enough. Both goalkeepers had very little to do, with George Marsh getting some catching practice and David Hughes having to do even less.

In the last 4 league games, Grays have managed just 1 goal and they will need to find some answers if they are to trouble league leaders Felixstowe & Walton on Saturday..

Final score : Walthamstow 0 v 0 Grays Athletic

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton, Jude, Walker, L Clark, J Clark (82, Wellens), Fitzer (60, Gordon), Shelvey-Negus, Hirst, Paxman (46, Norton), Bantick (73, Silcott-Brown)

Sub not used : Turner