Grays Athletic 1-3 Merstham

From Mill Field

Ryman Premier League

GRAYS Athletic’s troubles continued as a 15 minute hat-trick from Calum Willock helped Merstham to victory.

Grays had had a wretched couple of weeks after their top scorer, captain and vice-captain left following the news that the club’s owner would be stepping down

The home side were looking for some respite against Merstham, who have also all but secured their league status in their first season since winning promotion but were still below them in the standings.

And it was the away side that started the better and raced into a 3-0 lead against beleaguered Grays. Former professional Willock, 34, grabbed the opener on 19 minutes with a neat finish before the same man struck again.

Willock pounced to double his and Merstham’s lead with 23 minutes on the clock to stun the hosts.

And the same man completed a terrific 15 minute treble when he made space and crashed home with aplomb with 10 minutes of the half still to play.

It was a terrible half for Grays, who were blooding as many as seven new players to the fold against the Surrey outfit.

Blues improved after the break, with on-loan Southend United midfielder Freddie Gard putting in some robust challenges and picking up a yellow card for his troubles.

And Grays gave themselves a glimmer of hope with 15 minutes to go as Blues defender Jake Hutchings found space in the penalty area and struck beyond the goalkeeper.

Kristian Campbell got a late red card for Merstham but it was a day to remember for the visitors.

Grays Athletic: Kelly, Richeford, Flavin (Ofori), Nicholson, Hutchings, Symons, Manangu, Gard, Moses, Fuller (Sollosi), Ekpiteta