Ware 1, Grays 2 FOOTBALL: GRAYS came back from a goal down to make it four consecutive league wins for the first time since mid September, writes Chris Jones.

With suspensions and injury costing Hakan Hayrettin three of his regular starting line-up, there were a number of changes as Stephen Ikumelo lined up at right back, Bradley Thomas partnering Grant Cooper at the back, and Danny Bunce moving from left midfield into the middle.

The hosts went ahead in the 20th minute as Grant Cooper turned in a cross from the right-hand side, which extended Grays’ unwanted run of games without a clean sheet to nine.

Returning from a head injury, Joao Carlos was having plenty of the ball along the left touchline, and as he ran through two defenders, he was fouled on the edge of the area.

Lee Flynn stepped up and fired in the equaliser with the aid of a deflection past Rhys Madden in the home goal.

Further chances fell for Jake Hall and Nathan Gordon, but the two sides went in level at the break.

Shortly before the hour mark, James Bunn showed great control as he held up a ball into the by Grant Cooper into the path of Jake Hall who rifled home high into the net to give the Blues the lead.

Blues hit the bar twice with consecutive efforts with 20 minutes left, but as the end of the game edged nearer, there were a number of fractious moments involving both sides and a number of cards shown.

Unfortunately for Blues, Kenny Beaney received a second yellow and will face suspension at a crucial part of the season.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was three vital points which kept Blues in the play-off positions.

Up next for Grays is the visit of Heybridge Swifts to Rookery Hill on Saturday.

Grays: Tucker, Ikumelo, Cooper, Thomas, Flynn, Gordon, Hall, Beaney, Bunce, Carlos, Bunn.