After the disappointment of the last two weekend’s travels, Grays got back to winning ways with a surprisingly comfortable 2-0 win over Brightlingsea Regent. With Kye Jude returning in the back line alongside Jordan Clark, Sid Walker was able to push into midfield to partner Oscar Shelvey, giving the whole side a better, more combative balance. Perhaps though the key feature of the afternoon was the strong wind blowing straight down the pitch that Grays probably mastered the better in the key moments.

For once, Blues started firmly on the front foot. Gabriel Chapps fired a free kick over the bar and Ned Hepburn’s cross just evaded Sam Wade at the far post. Jordan Clark then cleverly found Hepburn who broke into the box but Regent’s keeper Luke Avenell was alive to clear the shot with his legs.

But before long Grays’ pressure told. Tom Cottle-Woods downed Wade 30 yards out and Hepburn’s lovely free kick found Chapps in space inside the box. He was allowed to turn and slotted his shot home to give Blues a deserved 1-0 lead.

Sid Walker could have extended the lead but headed wide before at the other end, Matthew Tricker spooned the ball over the bar from close range when sliding in to meet Finlay Adams’ free kick.

Guy Norton then went on a fine run from the half-way line into the box and he squared for Chapps but the ball took a nasty bobble, making the shot impossible to control.

Half-time : Grays Athletic 1 v 0 Brightlingsea Regent

Grays came out for the second half determined to hold onto their lead. At the back, both Kye Jude and Jordan Clark put in excellent shifts, dealing well with the high swirling balls and giving the visitors’ attack little room for manoeuvre.

After his sighter at the start of the first half, Gabriel Chapps went closer early in the second with a free kick from an identical spot. For the visitors, Charlie Durling tried his luck from distance and Daniel Rowe also had a go, but in truth there was little to concern George Marsh all afternoon. He won’t have many easier ninety minutes.

The game became mired in a midfield game of head-tennis which suited the Blues and although Brightlingsea started to see more of the ball in the Grays half, the home defence held firm, not allowing the visitors any clear sight of goal.

But with Blues fans getting ever more edgy as time wore on, their side finally put the game to bed with five minutes of normal time remaining. Oscar Shelvey picked up the ball midway in the opposition half and fed Ned Hepburn who cut in from the left and fired past Avenell to make it 2-0 to Grays and secure a vital three points.

After the game, interim boss Paul Joynes was delighted with the performance after the recent horror shows. The level of commitment and desire were much more where they need to be for the rest of the season.

As is always the case on this bank holiday, Blues go again quickly on Easter Monday, although with the shortest possible away trip, at landlords Tilbury. This is a fixture that always gets the blood pumping and gives Grays the chance for a weekend double.

Final score : Grays Athletic 2 v 0 Brightlingsea Regent

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton (61, Tawiah), Norton, Walker, Clark, Jude, Hepburn, Shelvey, Chapps, Stimson, Wade

Subs not used : Remy-Dee, Martin, Ogunrinde, Hahn