Blues 1 Grays Athletic 2

A last minute goal extended Grays lead at the top of the Ryman Premier Division to three points and with it, condemning the Blues to a first defeat of the season. The win was no more than Grays deserved with in form striker Dumebi Dumaka starting and ending the scoring in an impressive display for the visitors. But things could have been so different had the hosts got themselves ahead in the opening minute. Gareth Heath’s free kick found Tom Bullard in acres of space in the visitor’s box but the ball got stuck in his feet and the loose ball was deflected wide by John Sands. Six minutes later Grays pounced for their opener although it was Leiston’s own undoing. Patrick Brothers stray pass was picked up by Dumaka in his own half and he then weaved an unchallenged run through the heart of the Leiston defence before stroking home low to Ashlee Jones left from just inside the box. Stuart Boardley almost brought parity but his dipping effort after neatly creating space just cleared Lamar Johnson’s goal. From here Grays began to dominate, confidently passing the ball around with a patient build up. Winger Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson almost grabbed a second on 21 minutes, ghosting onto Jey Silva’s left wing cross ahead of Tom Bullard but his header was inches wide. The hosts were then forced into an early change as John Sands was forced off with what looked like a knee injury to be replaced by Christy Finch. Another neat inter-change saw Grays create a sight at goal but Dumebi Dumaka’s shot was straight at Ashlee Jones. Moments later Bullard was denied by a flying save from Lemar Johnson as Leiston’s biggest threat came via set pieces. So it was no surprise when the hosts levelled from one and it was no surprise that the goal came from Bullard who had been the biggest threat to date for Leiston. Danny Cunningham’s deep free kick found Tom Bullard at the far post and he neatly guided his header beyond the despairing dive of Johnson just two minutes before half time. Suddenly Leiston had a spring in their step and a low, smart save from Johnson denied Brothers effort from the edge of the box with the hosts not wanting the opening half to end.

HT – Blues 1 Grays Athletic 1

The sides returned from the interval on an even keel with both sides intent on attack. Nathan Ferguson poked an effort wide and then an acrobatic effort from Joao Carlos sailed over the home bar. Just after the hour mark Leiston had a great opportunity to take the lead with their best move of the match. Joe Jefford found Christy Finch wide on the left who drove forward into the box before finding Gareth Heath who set up Leon Ottley-Gooch. His shot looked goal bound but for an amazing intervention on the line from Kenny Beaney. Joao Carlos saw an effort hit the side netting after a fine pass from James Stevens as the game swung from end to end. The visitors introduced Roman Michael-Percil who immediately began to cause problems down the home left flank. On one of his marauding runs he set up Nathan Ferguson but his well hit strike deflected off the challenge of Joe Jefford and straight into the grateful arms of Ashlee Jones. Then came the late, late drama. A trio of Grays corners were well defended but from a delightful cross from Jey Siva, Dumaka got ahead of the advancing Jones to nod his and Grays second goal. There was still time for a sharp turn and shot from Finch to draw a flying save from Johnson and a flurry of late corners but Leiston could not force an equaliser to deny Grays there win.

FT – Blues 1 Grays Athletic 2

Blues - Jones, Saker, Brothers, Boardley, Jefford, Bullard, Cunningham (Francis 81 mins), Heath, Sands (Finch 22 mins), Ottley-Gooch, Brothers. Subs not used – Winter and Vincent.

Grays Athletic – Johnson, Ifil, Siva, Cronin, Leader, Stevens, Fortnam-Tomlinson (Michael-Percil 65 mins), Beaney, Dumaka, Ferguson, Carlos (Reynolds 87 mins). Subs not used – Agombar, Bentley and Little.

Match Sponsors Sycamore Park Man of the Match – Tom Bullard

Attendance – 232