A FIFTH win in a row saw Grays Ath rise to fourth in the league as their battle for promotion continued with a 2-0 win against Heybridge Swifts at Rookery Hill.
Kye Ruel became another injury worry as he limped off close to the end of a game that was becoming increasingly fractious, with his replacement Harry Cook and full back Ryan Sammons being cautioned alongside three Bury players.
AVELEY bosses have told their new manager, Justin Gardner, that they did not have too high expectations this season and it is just as well as they crashed to two defeats in 48 hours.
Cole signed for Grays Athletic in 2004 from West Ham United. He played in the team that won the Conference South and the FA Trophy in the same year.
He went on to play for Southend, Stevenage and Oxford. However, in November he started feeling short of breath in training and matches, and was unable to run to full effect.
On 30 Tilbury were denied a clear penalty when a cross into the box was handled but the referee waved away any protests. The disappointment lifted Tilbury and 4 minutes later Gary Henty ran towards goal only to be fouled just outside the box. Alex Read perfectly executed free kick found the top corner.
There was little tempo at all to the game but it was becoming increasingly fractious as both sets of players seemed frustrated by the lack of quality and Wilson-Denis was cautioned for an off the ball challenge on Newby. Tooting sub Connor French tried to make an impact, thrashing two shots wide but in truth in both instances he ought to have done better.Tooting then won a succession of corners and Wray was called into action for the first time, tipping a cross away and then saving at his near post from Wilson-Dennis.
Thurrock needing to add another goal to try and secure the game and they extended their lead in the 59th minute when Lee Boylan converted a penalty kick which was awarded when Mark Jermyn was judged to have pushed Boylan when challenging for a cross from Teddy Nesbitt.
It took eighteen home games but it was worth the wait as at long last, Fleet win at home. Up to 14th for Rocks as they continue to climb up the league.
In the 33rd minute, Joao Carlos drove through to the edge of the area and was fouled. Lee Flynn drove the free kick forward and it was deflected in for the equaliser. Grays now looked far more assertive and shots by Jake Hall and Nathan Gordon again created further pressure. Things were not so certain at the back and there were far too many "Garryowens" for comfort.
Grays Ath club officials today hosted two members of the Isthmian Board at Rush Green for a preliminary ground grading review. Nick Robinson and Roger Reed were shown around the site, including a walk around the pitch, the changing rooms and bar areas. There were positive comments regarding the work that has taken place to date, and for the plans that were outlined to them.
After the game, Tilbury Manager Paul Vaughan commented "Delighted without second half performance and scoring five goals again. Paul expressed his concern with the injury to Alex Read and that he was being assessed by the physio. Look forward to Brentwood on Saturday where it will be a tough game".
Grays were putting in the same level of performance as their second half versus Needham. And in the 35th minute, Nathan Gordon made it two when great running by Danny Bunce saw him cross from the dead ball line and it gave Gordon the simplest of tap-ins.
THE last time Rocks visited Harrow four seasons ago they lost 5-4, scoring an astonishing four own goals, and the curse of Earlsmead struck again in Saturday's Ryman Premier clash. This was a diisappointing performance from Rocks, who slipped to only their second Ryman Premier defeat in 14 matches despite dominating possession for much of the match.
On 78 minutes Lee Boylan ended his goal drought when he fired in from close range giving the keeper, Lloyd Irish, no chance. Before Thurrock had a chance to consolidate their equaliser they fell asleep at the back and Jamie Price was able to put Weston back in front in the 81st minute when unmarked he drove the ball past Hughes in the Thurrock goal.
