Grays Athletic 0-1 Bognor Regis Town

Ryman Premier

From Millfield

 

GRAYS Athletic slumped to a disappointing home defeat to struggling Bognor Regis Town.

A number of controversial decisions from the referee, in which he appeared to turn down a clear home penalty, caused even more frustration for the home faithful.

These sides played out a classic match last term – with Bognor Regis coming away from Millfield with the points after a thrilling 4-3 win - although both sides struggled to breakthrough early on in this encounter.

Ex-Brentford player Lewis Dark started for Grays, having signed from Maldon & Tiptree on Friday, after Aaron Best-Riley was injured in the warm-up.

Jake Thomson looked to test Conor Gough in the early moments but missed the target and Craig Robson, twice left free in the box from corners, also failed to test the grays stopper.

Grays best chance of the half fell to Freddie Ladapo but the five-goal hotshot was unable to beat Chris Winterton in the Bognor goal.

The Rocks had tasted success on their last outing in the division, that coming at Essex side Billericay Town. However, they had also lost at the hands of Canvey Island and East Thurrock United already this term and they struck early in the 2nd half.

Stuart Green was the man on the mark from close range and that was how it stayed until late on, when it appeared Grays would be awarded a penalty - after Chris Bryan was brought down by the keeper with 10 minutes remaining.

But the referee shook his head and the visitors went away with the points.