Wakering boss Tony Cross was delighted to see his side begin their pre-season build-up with an entertaining home friendly against Essex neighbours Grays, despite a 3-1 defeat.

Mark Stimson's visitors took the lead through Danny Foster, recently released by Spurs, and teenager Steve Bradshaw grabbed their second.

Experienced striker Leroy Griffiths made it 3-0, but the village side had the last word at Burroughs Park when one of their own talented crop of youngsters, Sam Lake, shot home off the inside of a post.

Rovers are next in action on Saturday when they host Galleywood.

Published Wednesday July 21, 2004

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