This was meant to be the year Grays would take over the mantle as Thurrock's top team and a lot more besides -- as things turned out they have only just avoided relegation.

Blues bring the curtain down on their campaign against Craig Edwards' Ford -- the man who "parted company" with the club back in September and then proceeded to fill his team with players not required by Mark Stimson and Mike Woodward.

But the Motormen beat Blues last December at the Rec and go into the game at Barkingside a point better off in the table.

Carl Leaburn was the hero of last weekend's vital win over Billericay. Released by the club at the beginning of April he answered an SOS appeal because of a lack of forward cover and came off the bench to head the second-half winner.

If Roy Essandoh does not recover from a knock, then Leaburn will get another chance to possibly cheer the long-suffering Grays fans.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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