THIS AFTERNOON’S MATCH PREVIEW - GRAYS ATHLETIC (AWAY) KO 3.00 PM

It’s a Grays away day as Dulwich Hamlet head for Mill Field, Aveley to take on the Blues in the last Ryman League game before Christmas.

Like the Hamlet, the Blues league form of late has been somewhat patchy. Despite this it will be no easy task to take much needed points from a trip to Mill Field, Aveley where Grays currently reside in anticipation of a new home in the not too distant future. The notorious unforgiving pitch at Mill Field will prove one tricky opponent as will the tenacious Blues, who proved in a storming 1-1 draw at Champion Hill earlier in the season that they can rally late. Trailing to a first half Ashley Carew goal, Hamlet hearts were broken in the 5th minute of stoppage time when skipper and former Dulwich midfield dynamo Kenny Beaney popped up to nod home a late equaliser in a game when both sides were reduced to ten men after harsh red cards for Danny Waldren and Dumebi Dumaka.

Having hit the summit of the Premier Division back in early September, Grays have slipped off the pace off late but as last Tuesday’s thumping 4-0 win away to Staines Town evinced, they remain as big a threat to the promotion pack as ever. Currently sitting in 9th spot just four points separate the Blues and the last playoff place whilst just two wins is the gap between them and Dulwich at the head of the race.

In wake of Jamie Vardy’s explosive start to his Premiership career with Leicester City, Grays have found themselves another beneficiary of the professional games desire not to miss out on the next rough diamond to unearthed in the Non-League game. The scouts have been beating a path to Mill Field. Earlier this month midfielder Nathan Ferguson signed a 2½ year deal to move to Burton Albion whilst striker Dumaka has been under the microscope of a number of clubs including West Ham United and Ipswich Town. A trial this week at Fleetwood Town, who first spotted Vardy’s talents, looked to see Dumaka depart but a failure to agree terms meant he is free to face the Hamlet this afternoon. Another catching the eye is Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, a former Northern Irish Under 19 international and professional with St Johnstone, who bagged a hat trick in that Staines wipe out taking his goal scoring tally into double figures for the season so far.

A reminder that Grays Athletic do not play in Grays but ground share with Aveley. This may not be one of the more accessible grounds for those using public transport but Grays Athletic have put together some useful travelling tips which you can access by clicking here.

This afternoon’s game takes place at Aveley FC, Mill Field, Mill Road, Aveley, Essex, RM15 4SJ, kicking off at 3.00pm

Match Day Admission Prices

• Adults: £10
• Concessions: £6
• Students: £6
• Children under the age of 14 only pay £1 entry to the game