GRAYS Athletic could not hold onto a half-time lead as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Waltham Abbey.

Kieran Bishop fired Jamie Stuart's side in front, but goals from Christian Assombalonga and Darelle Russell consigned Grays to their second Isthmian North defeat of the campaign.

Jamie Slabber, who returned to the club in the summer, thought he had given the visitors the lead inside the opening 15 minutes.

But the striker's header was ruled out for pushing.

Ade Cole then went close as the summer signing struck the top of the crossbar with a first-time effort.

However, Grays were to break the deadlock with 25 minutes on the clock as Bishop found the back of the net following a through ball from Slabber.

Jack Fowler frustrated Assombalonga before the break as the Grays defender cleared the striker's shot off the line.

But the former Dagenham & Redbridge and Billericay Town attacker was to find the back of the net just seven minutes after the interval.

Grays full back Ryan Mahal was guilty of a clumsy challenge following a corner and the referee pointed to the spot. Assambalonga sent Lamar Johnson the wrong way to bring the teams level.

Keirnan Hughes-Mason thought he should have been awarded a penalty soon after, but was instead booked for simulation.

Waltham Abbey had come close on a number of occasions in the second half, so it came as no surprise when they went in front in the 75th minute.

A crossfield ball found Russell, whose shot appeared to deceive Johnson on its way into the top corner.

Hughes-Mason passed up a good opportunity with time running out and Grays could not find an equaliser.

Stuart will be looking for a reaction from his players when they take on Parkside landlords Aveley on Bank Holiday Monday.