Grays Athletic

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Jamie Slabber

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Grays 2-1 Altrincham

Grays Athletic took a big step in their bid to avoid relegation from the Blue Square Premier when they beat Altrincham 2-1 at the New Rec.

Tempers flared early on in the game and three players were booked in the fifth minute when a scrap broke out between the two teams after Altrincham were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Chris Senior.

Shaun Densmore had a crack from 25 yards out in the 17th minute, but he failed to trouble Grays' keeper Rob Beckwith as the ball sailed wide.

Jamie Stuart was then fortunate not to receive his marching orders just two minutes later for a harsh challenge on Dale Johnson after already being booked.

Grays grabbed the lead just before half-time when Barry Cogan slammed the ball home from six yards out after latching onto a Jamie Slabber pass.

The goal seemed to give the home side a renewed sense of confidence and they came out firing on all cylinders in the second period, which saw them double their lead when Slabber drove home a well-taken volley after Bradley Hudson-Odoi crossed it into the area.

Graham Heathcote's side refused to give up and they fought their way back into the game, but were unable to find the back of the net until the 88th minute when Rob Beckwith brought down Joe O'Neill in the area to win his side a penalty.

Matthew Doughty stepped up to take it and he made no mistake from the spot, but the goal proved nothing but a consolation as Grays held on for the win.

Grays Athletic bookings: Stuart, Thurgood.

Altrincham bookings: Young, Danylyk, Peyton.

Att: 710

Ref: David Coote (Newark).