Sometimes in football, the main thing is the result. Grays’ trip to Brightlingsea on Tuesday evening was far from a memorable encounter but three points away from home, combined with a clean sheet was a great outcome for what was, on paper, a tricky encounter. The injury list doesn’t get any better for Blues, with Lewis Clark and Aron Gordon sitting this one out after last weekend’s trip to west London.

The first half started off a rate of knots, with both sides playing in a rather rushed state. Possession was given up too readily all round and the game cried out for someone to put their foot on the ball and find a pass.

Blues' best chance of the half came after just five minutes when David Romer fed Jayden Silcott-Brown. He ran to the edge of the box and let fly a shot that was tipped over the bar by home keeper, Luke Avenell. Brightlingsea then came more into the game, especially out wide where Grays fullbacks Tyler Brampton and Macca Joynes were seriously tested. Blues seemed to be sitting a bit deep, allowing chances for ex-Blue Shane Temple, saved by George Marsh, and George Doyle, whose effort went wide.

It took Grays until after the half hour mark to create another serious chance. Luke Hirst beat his man out wide left and he found Joe Paxman, who couldn’t hit the target. A Brightlingsea corner then created panic in the Grays six yard area, with Marsh eventually grabbing the ball to snuff out the danger.

The half ended with a long shot from the unexpected boot of Jack Turner but again Avenell was equal to the chance.

Half time : Brightlingsea Regent 0 v 0 Grays Athletic

The second half was definitely livelier than the first. David Romer, who had performed well in the midfield holding role was unwell after the break and replaced by Sid Walker, who brought his customary style to the middle of the park. Blues casualty list then lengthened again when Guy Norton hobbled off after an accidental clash, with Callum Fitzer taking his place.

The “Callum” subs both then had chance - Harrison, for Regent, shot just wide from distance, before Fitzer for Blues crossed the ball dangerously but couldn’t find a team-mate.

The game turned midway through the half when Brightlingsea captain, Charlie Durling, went in high and late on Callum Fitzer leaving referee Mr Bowles with a decision to make. Whilst there was clearly no premeditated malice in the challenge, he concluded that it was a red card offence, taking the home side down to ten men.

But to their credit the home side kept up the fight and Temple nearly got his head to the ball before the out-rushing George Marsh.

However, as time wore on Grays upped the pressure and it was supersub, Sam Bantick who broke the deadlock. Harry Hope won the ball, which was worked to Bantick on the edge of the penalty area and he found a fine finish to beat Avenell for a decisive 1-0 lead.

He could have doubled the score moments later after great combative work in midfield by Sid Walker but he shot just wide. Blues kept pushing but couldn’t add to their lead.

After the final whistle, manager Darren Manning was delighted with the performance across the field. In a very tightly packed league table, away points will be vital, so this was an excellent win that sets Blues up for a congested run of fixtures over the next few weeks.

Final score : Brightlingsea Regent 0 v 1 Grays Athletic

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton, Joynes, Norton (55, Fitzer), Jude, Turner, Romer (48, Walker), Hope, Hirst (65, Bantick), Paxman, Silcott-Brown

Sub not used : Drew