Grays Athletic

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Eastbourne 2-2 Grays Athletic

Grays Athletic rallied from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils with Eastbourne Borough at Priory Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Eastbourne started brightly and claimed the lead after just two minutes when Jamie Taylor latched onto a through pass from Simon Johnson before firing past Grays goalkeeper Glyn Garner.

The Sports were awarded a penalty just moments later as debutant Luke Rooney was brought down in the area by Richard Graham, but Taylor failed to hit the target from the spot.

Eastbourne defender Gary Elphick saw his header crash against the crossbar before the home side further extended their lead in the 28th minute.

Matt Crabb sent in an inviting corner kick and Rooney was on hand to volley home from close range.

However, the second half saw Grays claw their way back in contention, starting with Wayne Gray's well-struck volley at the near post in the 64th minute.

The visitors continued to pile forward in search of an equaliser and got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 80th minute.

Jamie Guy collected a pass from Alex Rhodes before crossing to the far post where Harlee Dean pocked home the all-important equaliser.

Grays were looking to push on and fashion a winner but skipper was then sent-off for a second bookable offence in the second minute of injury time.

Eastbourne came agonisingly close to snatching a winner in the dying moments of the game but Trevor Benjamin's goalbound effort was cleared off the line to Crabb, who fired a powerful effort onto the post.

Eastbourne bookings: Johnson, Jenkins.

Grays bookings: Clarey, Davis, Dean.

Sent Off: Dean (90+3)

Ref: Mathew Mclaughlin (Bedfordshire).

Att: 1,029.