As part of our magnificent Community Day celebrations and an attendance well in excess of 600, Grays Athletic entertained Lowestoft Town in an end-of-season nailbiter. Both sides have been put through the mill over the past months, finding themselves at the wrong end of the table, which neither would have expected last August. And whilst Lowestoft maintained their fine recent run of form to win the game 2-1, results elsewhere mean that both sides are as good as safe from relegation.

Understandably, both teams were edgy in the opening exchanges and perhaps everyone was a bit guilty of rushing things to try to make an early impression. For the visitors, Connor Deeks shot wildly, matched soon after by Ramiah Mills’ effort for Blues. Connor Martin found Manny Ogunrinde with a great long pass, and he finished with aplomb only to see the linesman’s flag go up for a clear offside.

But it was Lowestoft that made the breakthrough. A cross into the box saw some poor marking and hesitant goalkeeping allowing the Trawlerboys leading marksman, Aaron Bullent the opportunity to loop a header into the unguarded net for a 1-0 lead.

Try as they might, Grays could not find the equaliser, despite creating a couple of very presentable chances. A Jordan Clark cross was set up for Gabriel Chapps who fired wide and then Chapps turned provider for Ogunrinde, who was equally off-target.

At the other end, Bullet could have had a second but his shot was comfortably held by George Marsh at the near post.

Half time : Grays Athletic 0 v 1 Lowestoft Town

Blues continued to fashion half chances but nothing that seriously challenged Ben Self in the Lowestoft goal. A long free kick from Marsh found Clark at the back post but he couldn’t connect properly with the ball and then Kye Jude headed wide from a Ned Hepburn corner.

Lowestoft were looking to protect their lead and defending stoutly, playing mostly on the break. Ashton Blogg had a good chance from a long-range free kick, but he too couldn’t hit the target.

There was a moment of contention just before the mid-point of the half. Grays attacked in numbers and fired in a succession of shots, as the visitors failed to clear properly. After the last attempt from Manny Ogunrinde, there was a loud appeal for handball, as Lowestoft defence closed ranks. But referee, Mr Scheitroma (who had an indifferent afternoon) only awarded a corner - from which Blues finally had a shot on target through Jordan Clark.

Lowestoft went further ahead soon after, when perhaps the best-worked move of the afternoon fell to Kyle Haylock who finished smartly from an angle to double the visitors’ lead.

That second goal seemed to energise Grays to find a level of urgency that had, disappointingly, been missing up to that point. They emptied the bench looking for the key to unlock the visitors defence and nearly found it when subs Guy Norton and Sam Wade combined but the latter’s header just cleared the bar.

And with seven minutes left on the clock Wade’s neat cross found the final sub Caiden-Ellis Remy-Dee inside the six yard box and he tucked away the chance to set up a grandstand finish. Lowestoft dropped ever deeper and Grays played with an intensity that would surely have borne fruit had they done so earlier in the game. A trademark long throw from caused confusion in the defensive ranks and Connor Deeks headed awkwardly back towards his own goal but, for him, wide enough to spare embarrassment.

So Lowestoft took the win and celebrated their own safety. But news then filtered through of the full-time scores from elsewhere that brought a smile to faces of the home fans. With just one game left to play, Mildenhall, who visit high-flyers Felixstowe on the final day of the season, must win and turn around an eleven goal deficit with Blues to climb above us - whilst Takeley, who have an even worse goal-difference have to get a point at home to Wroxham, should Mildenhall upset the odds at Felixstowe.

The odds are therefore stacked very heavily indeed in Grays’ favour and it would be all but unimaginable for things to go against us from here. Those recent home wins against Brightlingsea and Concord Rangers have, in the end, proved decisive.

Of course, there is still one final hurrah, next Saturday, as we make the long trip up to Norfolk to take on play-off chasing Gorleston Town. A fine chance for a weekend away maybe ?

But the final word has to be one of tremendous thanks to our local community, who came out in numbers to be part of our celebration day. The half-time parade by our youth teams was a great reminder of the part we play in bringing football to so many local young people - and a huge vote of thanks goes to all the parents, grandparents, volunteers and coaches who make this happen week in, week out. You are the very lifeblood of what our great club is all about.

Final score : Grays Athletic 1 v 2 Lowestoft Town

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton, Martin, Clark, Jude, Anderson, Hepburn (72, Norton), Stimson (75, Remy-Dee), Chapps (80, Gordon), Ogunrinde (72, Wade), Mills (72, Hahn)