Writing this preview looking out on a heavily frosted garden and with freezing overnight temperatures forecast, prospects for Saturday’s home fixture against Brightlingsea Regent must be in doubt - but that doesn’t prevent us looking forward to the game.

This is Brightlingsea’s second season back at this level, after a spell in the Premier Division. Last season, they finished in a highly respectable eighth place. And this year, they have continued in challenging form, currently lying just outside the playoff places in sixth,

Their recent form has been excellent with wins in each of their past five games - against Wroxham, Gorleston, Basildon and Witham, as well as a fine away win at Bury Town. Those games have seen Brightlingsea score eleven goals, conceding just three.

Leading scorer this season is Louie Kudiabior with eleven goals, closely followed by Teddy Collis with eight. It is also worth noting that Brightlingsea’s home and away form are equally good, both with six wins and three losses.

Last season was the first time our two clubs had ever met in league competition. Both games were won by the home side. In November 23, Brightlingsea put one of the final nails in Mark Stimson’s reign as Grays manager, with a 2-1 win thanks to first half goals from Jake Thompson and a Michael Finneran own-goal, with the Blues only having a Sam Bantick penalty to show for their efforts. But in March, Grays got their revenge with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Billy Crook goal.

Due to weather disruption, Grays are starting to fall behind with fixtures, having not yet played this calendar year.

There is a 10.30am pitch inspection planned for Saturday morning at Tilbury. Details will be published on the usual social platforms as soon as available.

Come on you Blues !