Grays put up a good fight at title favourites Gravesend & Northfleet, succumming eventually however in a 2-0 defeat in Kent.

Home skipper Jimmy Jackson made the most of stout home defending, springing upfield to fire past Mel Capleton on 16 minutes.

Athletic continued to look lively in spite of that goal. Nathan Thomas and Mervyn Abrahams both brought the best out of Jamie Turner as the half progressed, with Darren Smith going close to doubling the advantage at the other end.

The win was made safe seven minutes into the second period as Justin Skinner found space to stab the ball home.

Grays slip to 5th, though remain only a point off of Essex rivals Purfleet in third spot.

Published Sunday, March 24, 2002