Grays started the game slowly as the struggled to compete with the pace of the Romford midfield and fell behind in the 17th minute as a cross from the left found Nick Reynolds unmarked at the back post for a simple header into the corner of the net.

In a game of few chances, Grays equalised in fortuitous fashion in the 27th minute. A free kick from the right hand side by Lee Flynn was played into the area where several players converged on the ball before it deflected off Jamie Dicks, wrong footing Atu Ngoy in the Romford goal and finding the corner of the net.

Just after the half hour mark, Danny Bunce picked up the ball on the left wing and went on a winding run to the edge of the Romford area. His shot was on target by Atu Ngoy was down well to make a smart save.

Grays started the second half brightly and almost took the lead in the first minute.

Daniel Subuola got to the corner of the Romford area before firing a shot across goal which bypassed, attackers, defenders and goalkeeper before hitting the outside of the post and deflecting away for a goal kick.

In the 48th minute, Grays did take the lead as Joao Carlos and Daniel Subuola linked up well with a neat one-two before Joao Carlos fired in a cross from the right hand side. Danny Bunce was first to arrive in the box and fired low into the corner before celebrating with the Grays contingent behind the goal.

Romford had a chance to equalise in the 69th minute as Kurt Smith found space down the left wing to attack into the area. Lamar Johnson was out well to close down the angle and make a smart save.

Grays made their first change in the 76th minute replaced Daniel Subuola with Brian Moses.

In the 80th minute, Grays came close to extending their lead as Danny Bunce crossed from the left to the centre of the area where Brian Moses fired towards goal, but the shot was straight at Atu Ngoy who gathered the ball well.

Two minutes later, a free kick on the edge of the area by Kenny Beaney was curled around the wall and as the ball looked to be heading for the top corner, Atu Ngoy, at full stretch, did well to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

Grays comfortably saw out the last few minutes and as Maldon & Tiptree lost 3-2 at Witham Town, the lead at the top of the league was extended to six points.

Grays Athletic: Lamar Johnson, Craig Pope, Junior Baker, Ryan Kirby, Lee Flynn, Danny Bunce, Kenny Beaney, Leon Lalite, Joao Carlos (Kris Newby 86), Jack West, Daniel Subuola (Brian Moses 76)

Unused Subs: David East, Luke Marshall, Jeff Hammond