Blues were looking to turn their poor run of form around, against a formidable outfit in the form of Maldon & Tiptree
Both teams were coming off very mirrored runs of form, with Maldon boasting a terrific record of six wins out of 6, whereas Grays were bottom of the league in terms of form, without a win in 6.
A very cagey start to the game led to neither side gaining the ascendency in the opening 20 minutes . The one chance fell the way of Manny Ogunrinde off a long throw, but his poorly connected header fell straight into the arms of the grateful Ben McNamara.
Maldon took advantage of a lack of concentration from the Blues rearguard in the 34th minute, with a cross finding Charlee Hughes who was unceremoniously barged in the back by Lewis Clark . Connor Hubble converted the resultant penalty although Danny Sambridge managed to get a hand to the ball .
Maldon doubled their advantage four minutes later in controversial fashion after Joao Carlos appeared to be fouled in the build up. The Jammers took advantage releasing the fleet footed Jerome Slew making a great run in behind , converting with a calm finish into the bottom right hand corner.
HT 0-2
The second half proved a bleak affair, with little to no chances created, but Maldon looked in control throughout.
The game kicked into life in the 75th minute when a chance fell to captain Connor Hubble from a quick breakaway, bringing out a strong save from Sambridge. The keeper was the saviour again as Hamza Kaid went through on goal denied bravely by Sambridge smothering the ball.
Blues offered little in the attacking third, coming close late on, in the form of a free kick, which went inches wide without a touch.
Bluess frustrations were compounded with the sending off of Lewis Clark with moments remaining in the game.
One bright spark came with virtually the final kick of the game as Nathan Fox controlled the ball with nothing ahead of him, and had a crack on the half volley from 30 yards his effort looping over the helpless McNamara and into the top corner, a consolation goal from the Blues.
The result leaves Maldon 8 points clear at the top of the table and Grays dropping down again, into 12th.
Sambridge, Sammons, Joynes, McQueen, Clark, Fox, Ogunrinde (Stokes 48), Hahn, Soares junior), Girling, (Miller 60), Carlos (Adebiye 73)
Subs not used:Kayembe
