Grays Athletic and Thurrock shared the points in their Bank Holiday Essex derby at The Rec.

The hosts looked to have secured the points in this tight clash against two of the Ryman Premier's best sides, when Freddie Eastwood continued his superb run of recent form by bagging the opener on 73 minutes.

Thurrock grabbed the equaliser five minutes from time when sub Simon Martin followed up goalkeeper Mel Capleton's parry.

This was a keenly contested local derby, one that could have yielded a spectacular opening goal on the half-hour mark when Eastwood's curling drive from the edge of the box came back off of the woodwork.

Thurrock abandoned their typical long-ball game for periods of the half, enjoying greater possession and frustrating Athletic. They might have edged in front just before the interval but Capleton tipped Martin's shot around the post.

Grays' opener came from the penalty spot when Eddie Youds was impeded by Thurrock striker Tresor Kandol. Eastwood stepped up confidently to despatch the the spot-kick.

Martin had another shot saved by the impressive Capleton before finally finding his range after Lee Allen's initial drive had fallen into his path.

He might have snatched a late winner also but fluffed his effort as both sides had to be satisfied with a point.

Grays remain unbeaten at home in the Ryman Premier Division this season.