There were two changes to the starting line up from Saturday's game, with Callum Burkey coming in for Liam Morritt and Matt Price for Brandon Adams. Lewis Clark continued at centre half with, brother Jordan taking the duties on the bench alongside Sam Walker, Mitch Baldock and Sim.

It was a quick start from both teams. As early as the 2nd minute Walthamstow had a chance from a corner that was not dealt with, Nathaniel Orafu blasting wastefully over the bar. Grays were also going for it, showing greater intensity than recent games.

In the 5th minute, Callum Burkey headed on a long ball into the path of Sam Wade, who cut inside onto his left foot and hit a great shot past Stow keeper, Luke Mewitt, for his 2nd goal of the week.

The goal seemed to knock Stow's belief and for the next 15 minutes they were on the ropes as Grays launched attacks from both sides of the pitch. Firstly, Matt Price got on to a pass over the Stow defence but was denied by a good stop from Mewitt. Then after a good move down the right from Gabriel Chapps, Sam Wade's fine cross found Matt in space but he mistimed his header.

Matt Price held the ball up well in the left channel, bringing in namesake, Freddie, who's cross was only cleared back to Matt who, uncharacteristically, seemed to snatch at what was a half chance.

On 21 minutes, Blues were dealt a blow when Ollie Muldoon had to come off with what looked like a groin injury. He was replaced by Macca Joynes who slotted in at centre half with Alex Moss moving into midfield.

On 23 minutes, Gabriel Chapps who was thriving in the #10 role, won a free kick, 25 yards out to the right side of the penalty area. Was this the moment for Macca's first ever goal for Grays in nearly 200 games? No, but it was another for Gabriel Chapps as his strike around the wall was fumbled into his net by Mewitt.

Matt Price took a painful looking bang on the ankle, but after lengthy treatment was able to continue.

Walthamstow then started to get on top in terms of territory and possession, using the long throws of Keano Robinson and clever hold up play of Joden Trickett to good effect. Grays started to concede needless free kicks, but were close to hitting Stow on the break on a couple of occasions.

On 40 minutes, Stow halved the deficit, with a long free kick not punched far enough by Ayaz Kazi (who, otherwise, had another good game) and Elijah Grant was alert to the chance, heading in.

The referee added 4 minutes for injuries and in that time there was a final chance for Blues as Kazi caught a cross and rolled the ball quickly to Wade, who ran fully 70 yards before playing a reverse pass to Burkey who's shot was palmed away behind the onrushing Matt Price.

So 2-1 at half time and a much improved display. The feeling was that the next goal would be decisive.

Half time : Grays Athletic 2 v 1 Walthamstow

Both sides pushed forward at the start of the second period and it was Blues who had the early chances. Firstly Freddie Price's cross just wouldn't drop for Matt Price, before Gabriel Chapps' flick found Matt through, but under pressure, Mewitt making a top drawer save.

On 55 minutes, Blues got the crucial third. Freddie Price's corner from the right hand side was cleared under pressure to Connor Hogan who recycled it back toward the by-line. Freddie put in a really dangerous right footed cross that the diving Mewitt could only push away. Gabriel Chapps was on hand to shoot goalwards with the ball taking two ricochets before crossing the line.

That gave Blues the breathing space they needed. The remainder of the game saw resolute defence backed up by attacks on the break. Walthamstow seemed to run out of ideas, but were kept interested by several unnecessary fouls conceded by Grays. From one, Zack Cooley won the Aldi Prize for the free kick landing nearest the new store as he slipped over while taking the kick, with the ball disappearing toward the Dock Road.

Sam Wade pulled up with what hopefully was only cramp before being replaced by Gael Kileba. On his recent form, keeping Sam fit will be a key to moving up the table. His two quality goals this week should've given him lots of confidence. Similarly, Gabriel Chapps, who deserved his luck this evening after his best all round display of the season.

Although it was not his night in front of goal, a word must be said for Matt Price, who played for an hour after taking that whack on the ankle. Great attitude and example that really deserved a goal in my opinion. His work rate and ability to bring into play the likes of Sam, Gabs and Freddie is so important.

Callum Burkey again showed examples of his real potential. I can only seem him getting better as he works alongside the rest of the team.

Finally, the defence with Macca filling in well at centre half, Alex playing comfortably in two positions, Tyler working his socks off, Freddie doing a great job and Lewis, giving it everything for the whole match. We all know there is more improvement needed, but their attitude was spot on against Stow.

So we get ourselves back in touch with the teams above us and travel to Lowestoft on Saturday, weather permitting, looking to back this win up and climb the table.

Final score : Grays Athletic 3 v 1 Walthamstow

Grays Ath : Kazi, Brampton (C), Moss, Clark L, Hogan, Price F, Muldoon (22, Joynes), Chapps, Burkey, Wade (74, Kileba), Price M.

Subs not used; Drew, Sammons