Grays continued their poor Conference home form as they crashed to defeat at the hands of a Gravesend side who moved into the play-off positions with this success.
In difficult conditions, Andy King's hosts again failed on their own territory and have now won only twice in 12 league starts at the New Rec this term - the last time way back in September.
Grays failed to take advantage of having the elements at their backs in a first-half of wind and rain.
They put together some good moves, but only really forced one clear-cut chance.
That came on 29 minutes when Tom Williamson, one of four ex-Canvey players in the home line-up, shot into the side netting when well placed.
Gravesend, who would have been happy to go in goalless at the break after battling into the wind and rain, were delighted when, after a good move down the left, young Liam Coleman spun in the box to shoot them ahead six minutes before the half-time whistle.
The hosts brought on John Turner to give striker support to another ex-Islander, Lee Boylan, after the break.
Also coming on were the latest home loan signings Ben Harding and Vincent Fernandez - the latter replacing shoulder injury victim Boylan 12 minutes from time in front of a brave 1,071 crowd.
Grays rarely threatened in the second-half and the visitors clinched their success in injury-time with a goal from ex-Charlton striker Charlie MacDonald - his 14th of the season.
New Grays' boss King has now not won in the Conference in six starts and will look for a first success at bottom club Southport on Saturday.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the report.
|