9:54am Monday 16th November 2009
GRAYS plunged further into relegation problems when they lost at 2-0 home in atrocious conditions to promotion-chasing Luton.
The New Rec hosts are now third from bottom, but the 1,668 crowd — boosted by a large travelling contingent from the ex-Football League club — saw hope for the future from the home side.
Grays fielded three new players in midfield and one of them, Alsseny Cissoko, looked particularly assured.
In the end Luton’s greater experience proved a key factor in the gale force wind and driving rain, and host assistant manager Kenny Brown admitted: “I was pleased with the way the debutants adapted.
“Cissoko may be the anchor that the team needs. The difference was a touch of experience that Luton had. That confidence makes the difference.”
Luton were against the elements in the opening half and goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington struggled to get the ball out of his area.
But they played a patient passing game and went close after 10 minutes when Tom Craddock’s shot was smothered by Preston Edwards in the home goal.
Kenny Davis’s probing cross was dropped by Pilkington on 18 minutes, but Keith Keane scrambled the ball away.
The wind ended Craddock’s hopes of an opener, but the same player opened the Hatters’ account on 37 minutes when he took advantage of a ball pinging around the area.
Grays’ attacks were few, but the industrious Davis saw a wind-assisted effort cleared by Alan White.
Grays had terrible problems facing the gale after the break and Luton soon made it 2-0 when Danny Bunce was dispossessed and veteran Kevin Gallen scored.
Grays failed to take advantage of their limited chances with Fola Onijube missing out after 83 minutes when he was tackled when well-placed.
But Luton came close to having the last word with substitute Mark Nwokeji shooting over and Adam Newton having a 20-yard effort well saved.
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