Grays failed to take their chances and were eventually denied FA Trophy progress by a cruel end-of-match goal.
Blues were up for the challenge – giving held their Ryman Premier opponents Aylesbury to a 2-2 draw away from home on Saturday.
But with extra time looming lucky Ducks goal monger Darren Lynch scrapped the winner in a game Blues should have won by two or three clear goals.
Grays had begun well. Martin Carthy came close and both Leroy Griffiths and Freddy Eastwood combined to scare but not beat Aylesbury’s guardian of the goalmouth, Kevin Davies.
The trio of strikers pushed the Aylesbury defences throughout the first half.
In the second half, Grays struggled with midfield possession, but they did notch up several chances and will be kicking themselves that they failed to convert at least one.
Carthy had a short range shot blocked with 15 minutes still on the clock and the same player must have thought the Gods were against him when he seemingly sure-fire nod struck the woodwork.
Aylesbury’s winner came from a long corner. Lynch found himself with the time and space to rob Blues to crucially.
Speaking after the match manager Mark Stimson said, “I was frustrated and very disappointed that we out of the FA Trophy like this. We created plenty of chances but could not score when it counted.â€
However, it’s important to take away positives from the situation and the match was the first outing for Ellis Remy who returns after injury. He will be in the squad for Blues home game against League basement rats Billericay on Saturday.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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