Grays Athletic 3–1 Enfield Town

From Mill Field

Ryman Premier Division

 

GRAYS Athletic had more than one reason to celebrate on Saturday following their 3-1 triumph over Enfield Town.

On the day that caretaker manager Mark Bentley was appointed in charge until the end of the season, Joao Carlos scored on a landmark 200th appearance for the club and it was revealed Blues would be playing at Mill Field next season, the three points made it a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Town started the day nine points clear of Grays but it was the home side that started the game in charge, with Carlos denied by Nathan McDonald.

Dumebi Dumaka was next to come close before Manny Parry opening the scoring after 14 minutes.

The big centre half jumped highest to head home a delightful free-kick from Jey Siva to give Grays a deserved lead.

It should have been 2-0 soon after Kenny Beaney’s spot-kick was well saved although Grays didn’t have long to wait for their second.

Carlos was alive to the danger and headed home after the first effort had been kept out.

Grays looked set to take the two-goal advantage into half-time but Bobby Devyne’s strike on the stroke of half-time reduced arrears.

Enfield started the second period well, with Liam Hope kept out by Gough and Aryan Tajbakhsh denied by a terrific goal-line clearance from Jay Leader.

Dumaka and Joel Nouble were causing problems as Grays looked to extend their advantage but Nathan McDonald was not to be beaten.

Jordan Wilson was looking lively and saw an effort fizz over but he did find the target soon after when he dinked over the keeper to make it 3-1.

Grays Athletic: Gough, Siva, Leader, Parry, Best-Riley, Beaney, Wilson, Stevens, Carlos (Bentley), Dumaka, Nouble (Ferguson)