GRAYS Athletics great season continued as the u-18s from the Southern Counties won their first final last night.
This is just the first of three that they are in.
They travelled to Colney Heath to play Reading FC in the Merton Shield.
Grays Athletic played against a swirling wind and went in goal-less at half time but could have been two up just before the break.
Dan Gilcrest had a great chance rounding the keeper and just clipping the outside of the post.
Second half now playing with the wind and down the slop Grays turned up the pressure.
They introduced in-form Jay Knight along side Dan Gilcrest and they soon saw the rewards. Knight scored the first 29 mins into the second half. Jon Watson smashed a free kick against the post and Dan Gilcrest volleyed on the edge of 18 yard box into the roof of the net.
Reading then poured forward and with 10 mins to go got one back.
Grays held their nerve and Dan Gilcrest scored two in three mins to bring the Merton Shield to Grays Arhletic .
Captain Danny Swallow lifted what he hopes to be the first of three trophies.
They now entertain Boreham Wood on Weds 7.45pm at Rush Green in the League Champions Cup.
Grays start as under-dogs but anything can be achieved by a club who have seen great success and team spirit this season.
The following week they compete in the Colwyn Cup final at Beaconsfield FC against either Crawley Green/ Oxley Jets or Chesham.
Full details: TBC
