GRAYS Athletic suffered a 2-0 defeat to AFC Hornchurch in their first competitive outing at Parkside.

Goals from Brad Warner and George Purcell resulted in the Urchins securing all three points, while Jamie Stuart's side had Glenn Wilson sent off in an entertaining encounter.

Former Bowers & Pitsea striker Warner made it two goals in as many appearances following his move from East Thurrock United in the summer when he found the back of the net on 76 minutes.

And Grays, who went into the match having secured a 2-1 victory over Tilbury on the opening day of the Isthmian North campaign, were reduced to 10 men after Wilson appeared to block a goalbound effort with his hand.

However, Lamar Johnson, who returned to the club in the summer after leaving Aveley, saved Leon McKenzie's spot kick to keep Grays in the game.

But the hosts were unable to find a way past AFC Hornchurch goalkeeper Sam Mott and Purcell put the game beyond Grays as the striker netted the Urchins' second in the dying moments.