A decade of ups and downs in the history of Grays Athletic unfortunately culminated in one of the worst results for the club in the last 10 years.

A humiliating 6-1 Boxing Day defeat to landlords Aveley left the Blues 8th in the league, but still only two points off the play-off positions, going into 2020.

Grays were never allowed to get a foothold in the game from the off, and Aveley opened the scoring after 14 minutes. George Sykes cut in from the left and bent a spectacular effort into the top right corner, past a helpless Danny Sambridge in goal, from 25 yards.

The ‘away’ side then doubled their lead from the penalty spot, with Shad Ngandu slotting past Sambridge after Dexter Peter committed a foul in the box.

The scoreline flattered Grays as they entered halftime 2-0 down. The makeshift midfield of Nathan Fox and Michael Pindy failed to control the tempo of the game, while passes went astray and the attackers failed to make an impact.

However, the Blues started the second period the better side. But against the run of play, a ball over the top caught Grays’ defence out and Alex Akrofi latched onto the pass to finish.

Another penalty allowed Ngandu to score his second of the day and Aveley’s fourth. The midfielder completed his hat-trick after 82 minutes with a spectacular strike from 30 yards, that dipped over Sambridge’s outstretched arm.

Aveley made it six when a ball was drilled low across the box for Tony Martin to tap in from close range.

Although, there were a few positive signs for Grays in the closing stages, with Jim Cooper handing debuts to youngsters Sam Girling and Tyreece Robertson. Girling dictated the game with his passing and Robertson showed pace and enthusiasm up front.

A late consolation strike came from Joao Carlos, with the winger thumping a long range effort into the top corner with the aid of the underside of the crossbar.

A disappointing display from the Ath.