Julian Dick’s criticism of Grays players must have stung the New Rec players because they turned in an altogether improved performance to craft a draw against high-flying Stevenage.

Grays were up to the challenge from the team who are second in the league.

Debutant Rnkovic was looking good in his first outing for Blues.

The Norwegian ace scored in the 14th minute when he defeated keeper Chris Day.

Boro nearly equalised from the kick off when keeper Lee Butcher tried to head the ball away but missed the ball entirely.

But Grays had not shrugged off the basic errors which have cost them so dear so far this season.

And in the 30th minute Lee Boylan scooted the ball past Butcher.

Rnkovic and Charge both tested the keeper, Buyt Grays lived on their nerves too as Boylan came close in the 70th and sub Peter Vincenti did so 10 minutes later.

After the game, Julian Dicks said he was pleased with their performance.

Stevenage: Day, Henry, Albrighton (Drury 61), Roberts, Laird, Odhiambo (Vincenti 67), Bostwick, Byrom, Cole (Odubade 79), Boylan, Beardsley.

Subs Not Used: Bayes, Griffin.

Goals: Boylan 33.

Grays Athletic: Butcher, Mawer, Uddin, Hoyte, Braham-Barrett, Robson, Davis (Cutler 85), Vernazza, Poole, Rnkovic (Taylor 62), Charge (Jeffery 73).

Subs Not Used: Edwards, Beavan.

Booked: Vernazza, Jeffery.

Goals: Rnkovic 15.

Attendance: 1,803