Lewes 0

Grays 1

RYMAN PREMIER: TWO weeks ago, Grays Athletic were at a low ebb, defeated 4-1 by Essex rivals Canvey Island and without a league win since December 7.

But a reshuffle in coaching staff and the return of one or two familiar faces, including Danny Bunce and Leroy Griffiths, has sparked Grays’ best league run since August.

A trip to Lewes on Saturday brought Blues their fourth win in a row. Last Wednesday, Blues dispatched of Wingate & Finchley at Mill Field.

And now some are even suggesting a late charge for the Ryman Premier play offs could be on the cards for Andy Swallow’s side.

The 21 point difference between them and sixth place Bognor Regis Town is unlikely to be usurped now, however. But Grays Athletic do have the games in hand.

Grays fourth win – and a second against Lewes in as many weeks – on Saturday, came courtesy of a great Joao Carlos goal in the 25th minute at the Dripping Pan. The goal came from a break down the right and unmarked in the box, Carlos – the club’s top scorer this season – was on hand to convert.

Lewes, who had racked up wins against the league’s two top sides in recent outings, never recovered.

A good save by returning Athletic keeper George Kamurasi in the 85th minute kept out a Sam Gore volley.

The victory moved Blues up to 16th in the table. The club’s next three games see them take on Carshalton Athletic, Enfield Town and Cray Wanderers – all of whom sit in the lower reaches of the Ryman Premier League.

Grays Athletic: Kamurasi; Pope, Flynn, Yala, Kirby (Anderson, 53'); Bunce (Benjamin, 69'), Lalite, Beaney, Carlos; Nouble and Griffiths.

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