Grays Athletic

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Jamie Barker (c)

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Histon 4-1 Grays Athletic

Long-serving midfielder Jamie Barker scored a first half hat-trick to propel Histon up to third in the Blue Square Premier and leave opponents Grays Athletic languishing in the relegation zone.

The Stutes showed their determination from the opening minutes as they looked to repay Steve Fallon's faith in selecting the same team that lost to Barrow in their last outing.

Barker opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a well-placed header from a Gareth Gwillim free-kick after having earned himself the set piece. Gwillim found the midfielder with a curling drive from a full 35 yards out.

Histon then doubled their lead in the 18th minute after Antonio Murray found himself through on goal unchallenged, having been put through by Jack Midson. Grays defender Tony Dinning seemed to think the ball forward would reach his goalkeeper Rob Beckwith but he missed read it completely and Murray calmly slotted the ball home.

Murray played provider for the third as he sent Barker through on goal in the 24th minute, with the defence left ball watching. Barker's left-footed half-volley wasn't well hit but it flew past a demoralised Beckwith.

Barker completed his hat-trick on the half-hour with another header - this time latching on to Midson's cross from 10 yards out.

With the home side still celebrating their good fortune, Andy Pugh pulled a goal back with a deceptive curling shot from 25 yards that squired through Danny Naisbitt's hands and into the top corner.

With the job seemingly done in the first half, the goals dried up in the second period, though not for a lack of trying from the hosts.

Grays' defence stood firm however and they will be much happier with their second half perforrmance - despite not being able to score another goal and claw their way back into the game.

Murray remained in a thorn in the Blues' side as he delivered an inch-pefect cross for Barker, only for the player to header over the target this time.

Histon's late penalty appeal way waved away by referee Lewis as Ken Davis collided with Murray.

Histon bookings: None

Grays bookings: Taylor, Thurgood.

Att: 641.

Ref: Rob Lewis (Shropshire).