Grays secured a battling three points against Redbridge, one of the division’s early front runners. It certainly wasn’t the prettiest of games but these are the types of performances that, come the end of the season, make a real difference. The visitors would have been disappointed not to have taken anything from the ninety minutes but the Blues defence were largely very well organised all afternoon.

The first half was fairly thin fare, with a lot of endeavour from both sides but with few highlights. Blues first chance came from a Denim Nnamudi cross that was headed out bravely by Henry Day. There was then a real harum-scarum in the Grays penalty area. A Redbridge corner led to a scrum down in the six yard box, which Blues eventually cleared. Former Grays man, Louie Remi, crossed the ball back in - and Lewis Clark had to be alert to block another ex-Blue, Ramiah Mills before Macaulay Joynes was on hand for a goal-line clearance.

Midway through the half, everyone held their breath when Pedro Carvalho let fly from distance but the ball went just the wrong side of the post from a Redbridge perspective.

Then with five minutes left on the watch, a moment of real quality. Connor Hogan picked up the ball in midfield and found Denim Nnamudi - and he brought out his trademark move, jinking in off the right wing, making ground into the box and then letting fly an unstoppable shot into the opposite corner of the goal. 1-0 to the Blues.

Just before the break, the Motormen were nearly level, Ayodeji Olukoga’s long shot was on target but Danny Sambridge made a smart save to preserve the lead.

Half time : Grays Athletic 1 v 0 Redbridge

The second forty-five minutes was much more entertaining. Iit didn’t take long for Redbridge to square things. Carvalho got round the back and his cross was met by Louie Remi, who was alert to finish from close range to make it 1-1.

Grays nearly took the lead back straight away. Tyler Brampton slid a pass through to Rob Hornby and his cross was just tipped out by visitors’ keeper, Lewis Greene.

Redbridge then had their best spell of the game. On the quarter hour, the Motormen weren’t sure how they didn’t take the lead. Louie Remi’s shot was half saved by Sambridge, as the ball rolled towards the goal. Ryan Sammons, on for the ill Alex Moss, made a critical intervention right on the goal-line and then somehow managed to toe-end the ball round the post whilst lying prone on the ground.

Bruno Tavares then found himself in space and set up sub Fotsing Pitoula Wabo who shot straight at Sambridge. Carvalho’s free kick was then pushed onto the post by Sambridge with the ball rebounding into his gloves.

Against this run of play, and with their backs to the wall, Grays took the lead. A Freddie Moncur corner was met by an unstoppable bullet header from Ollie Muldoon, to make it 2-1. And they almost got a third when Sam Wade’s shot was deflected into the net by Gabriel Chapps but he was rightly flagged offside.

Redbridge never gave up the fight. A Deivi Kreka long throw found Usisa Longwe but he blasted over and then an Olukoga shot grazed the top of the crossbar. But Blues held on for a valuable three points.

After the match, manager Mitch Hahn was delighted with the way that the team dug in and refused to be beaten. This was a performance of real character and shows there is plenty to look forward to this season in the league with this squad.

Next weekend, Grays make the long journey up to the Norfolk Broads to take on Wroxham. As ever, the players will be spurred on by the superb travelling support - we look forward to seeing you there.

Final score : Grays Athletic 2 v 1 Redbridge

Grays Athletic : Sambridge, Brampton, Joynes, Moss (35, Sammons), L.Clark, Hogan (78, Moncur), Kileba, Muldoon, Chapps, Nnamudi (85, Effah), Harvey (61, Wade)

Sub not used : McClean