Leyton F.C. slipped to their second defeat of the season on Saturday, after a late Daniel Bunce penalty ensured Grays Athletic an away win at the Leyton Stadium.
Leyton commanded a lot of the opening play in the first half. Forward Stefan Cox had the game’s first real opportunity on 15 minutes after a powerful shot from inside the box forced a strong-palm from Grays’ goalkeeper Stuart Robinson.
The home-side continued to pressure Julian Dicks’ men with most of the attacking play coming through Leyton’s left-midfielder James Hamshere. The wide-man was unlucky to see a left-footed volley fly past the post after 20 minutes, and again tested the Grays back-line on 35 minutes when a darting run into the box ended with the ball flashing across the goal-mouth.
Grays rarely threatened in the first half, with their best opportunity coming on 45 minutes. Leyton ‘keeper Paul Agu expertly saved a terrific 25 yard effort from Jason Fontaine, tipping the ball over the bar and ensuring that his side remained level going into the half-time break.
With the second half underway Leyton again seemed to have the upper hand, but failed to capatalise on any of their chances. Their best opportunity of the half again fell to live-wire James Hamshere, who saw a header fall agonisingly past the post on 73 minutes.
Grays were close to taking the lead soon after when midfielder Stephen Demetriou headed just over the crossbar. On loan from Dagenham & Redbridge- the 19 year-old connected well with a fantastic cross from Grays’ second half substitute Emiel Aiken.
The deadlock was however finally broken on 85 minutes, when Grays defender Daniel Bunce was brought down by Leyton defender James Hammond in the home side’s box. Bunce stepped up to coolly convert the spot-kick past Paul Agu, securing an impressive away win for his side.
With most of the play dominated by the home side, Leyton Manager Wilson Frimpong will be very disappointed that his side failed to convert any of their great chances, gifting Grays the 3 points.
