IT was another frustrating evening for Grays Athletic as the proverbial game of two halves resulted in Bowers & Pitsea claiming a 1-0 win.

Bowers started the Isthmian North encounter the better and Grays had to rely on a string of saves from goalkeeper Lamar Johnson and also the crossbar to keep the match goalless.

After 20 minutes the pressure told and Bowers took a deserved lead.

Goalkeeper Callum Chafer launched the ball downfield and the Grays defence hesitated and allowed the ball to bounce.

As the ball was played across the penalty box, Tony Stokes had the freedom of the Len Salmon Stadium to tap home into an empty net.

In reply, Callum Ibe and Kieran Bishop both had speculative shots but neither really troubled Chafer in the home goal.

Johnson once again came to Blues' rescue with a fine save to keep the score at 1-0 to Bowers going into half-time.

During the interval, Grays manager Jamie Stuart brought himself on and the second half was a different story with Grays dominating possession in the search for an equaliser.

Bishop tested Chafer but he dealt with the shot comfortably.

In the 63rd minute, Blues winger Joao Carlos limped off and Jamie Slabber replaced him to give Grays an aerial target and crank up the pressure even more.

Slabber and Ibe both went close with headed chances although Ibe may feel he should have tested the goalkeeper as he glanced a great opportunity wide with the goal at his mercy.

By now Bowers were reduced to counter attacking as they looked to protect their lead but the Grays defence snuffed out any chances.

With time running out, the home side defended resolutely and in the end a flurry of late corners come to nothing as the hosts held on to claim all three points.