Grays did a professional job on the evening before Bonfire Night, dispatching bottom of the table Brantham Athletic by six goals to nil and in doing so recorded the biggest home league win since beating Witham Town 7-1 on Boxing Day 2022. The win makes it 2 on the bounce, with just one loss in 9 league games and lifts The Blues up to 12th place in the table.

Brantham brought an unenviable record into the game, having lost a remarkable 19 of their last 20 games in all competitions. A narrow 1-0 loss on Saturday to Heybridge Swifts might have given them hope that a first league win in Isthmian North was not far away. However, that hope was extinguished in the first 45 minutes of this match.

Grays had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting 11 from Friday's win at Bowers, but it was Brantham who started the better, with Joshua Fenton-Jones showing some neat touches on the right wing.

On 6 minutes a Brantham counter attack looked certain to result in a one on one for William Jones against George Marsh, but Sid Walker tracked the run and made a great tackle.

This scare, seemed to wake The Blues up and a minute later, a lovely passing move down the right released Joe Paxman, whose cross was cut out by a Brantham defender.

Any lingering nerves were finally settled in the 17th minute. A corner from the right cleared the crowded 6-yard box, but was kept alive by Kye Jude who stood a dangerous cross up to the back stick, where Jack Stone headed back over goalkeeper Roan Tucker giving Harry Hope the chance to bravely bundle in by the left hand post.

Grays supporters have enjoyed Jack Stone's performances since he joined The Blues on loan from Southend United and his tireless running was a feature of the first half. It seemed only a matter of time before Jack would score. On 31 minutes, a Harry Hope through ball, gave Stone the opportunity to outpace the Brantham defence and prod the ball past the onrushing Tucker, but just wide of the post.

Soon after, another good through ball was cleared out for a corner on the right. Macca Joynes excellent delivery got the finish it deserved from our Halloween hero, Kye Jude. We have waited a few games for the defender to score a league goal, then like buses, 3 come along at once! None of us are complaining, just keep em coming, Kye !

On 40 minutes, any semblance of a contest was ended. Good recovery of the ball in midfield set Harry Hope free on the left. His astute pass saw Michael Bareck, bursting into the box, where he was taken out by Stevy Brouwers. Jack Stone took his time before coolly sending Tucker the wrong way with the spot kick.

Things got even better in injury time, as a long ball from Tyler Brampton, found Michael Bareck bursting clear who took his opportunity with a great lob over Tucker for his first Blues goal and a 4-0 lead at the break.

Half time : Grays Athletic 4 v 0 Brantham Athletic

The start of the second half was delayed as Brantham wanted to make a substitution and senior assistant referee, Mr Rant, realised he had left his notebook in the changing room. The red faced official had to run back and retrieve his book. At least he hadn't forgotten his flag.

Again, Brantham were the quicker to start the half, something Grays will need to be aware of and try to correct for Saturday's game with Newmarket Town.

Three minutes into the half and a Brantham free kick from out on the left was delivered into a dangerous area by Will Jones but George Marsh smothered the ball at his near post.

On 50 minutes Jack Stone brought a high ball down with a great first touch before being flattened in the box. It was an obvious penalty, but referee Mr Anastasiou was unsighted and not helped by his assistant who had a much better view.

Further chances came, largely through the hard running of Jack Stone. Tucker made a top save from Michael Bareck's powerful shot after Stone's's initial effort was blocked. He then drove into the box and chose to shoot when there were options available, (you want your centre forward to be a little bit greedy, sometimes). Tucker again saving well.

Grays made their first substitution on 65 minutes with Callum Fitzer replacing Joe Paxman who had had another solid game.

On 69 minutes, the 5th goal arrived and it was probably the best of the lot. Sid Walker played a great crossfield ball to Michael Bareck, who cut inside before playing a clever reverse pass through the defence for Callum Fitzer bursting through. He could have taken the shot but realised Jack Stone had an even better opportunity and touched the ball for Jack to finish easily.

Ainsley Frempong replaced skipper Tyler Brampton who had put in another good shift but soon found himself on the receiving end of a late tackle down on the touchline from Brantham skipper, Teddy Stacey, who, for reasons best known to himself, stood over the prostrate Grays man and seemed from our angle to take a cheap shot. Frempong reacted and both players were booked by Mr Anastasiou, who did well to calm the situation down.

On 79 minutes, Oscar Shelvey-Negus half blocked a clearance from goalkeeper Tucker. Michael Bareck picked up the loose ball and played in Jack Stone. This time the centre forward showed his composure and class with a pass that gave Shelvey-Negus the opportunity to score the 6th goal of the evening and his 6th of the season.

There were further Grays substitutions with a league debut for Nils Hlukaku and Alex Strugurean coming on for Harry Hope and Jack Stone who both deserved the appreciation they received from the terraces. There was also another run out for Elton Gjonbala replacing Michael Bareck whose efforts deserved the applause given.

All three young players acquited themselves well, with Nils especially looking good, playing wide on the left. Hopefully, they will get more opportunities in what is going to be a busy period for the team.

So a really good win, with at last more chances being taken. OK, Brantham are struggling, but you can only beat what's in front of you. The balance of the team going forwards looks much better of late with the new personnel.

Saturday brings, with all due respect to Brantham, a much sterner test with the visit of Newmarket, who have made a very good start to the season and offer a real threat up front.

Final score : Grays Athletic 6 v 0 Brantham Athletic

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton (67, Frempong), Joynes, Walker, Jude, Turner, Bareck (79, Strugurean), Shelvey-Negus, Stone (79, Gjonbala), Hope (73m Hlukaku), Paxman (65, Fitzer)