Enfield Town produced a 1-0 win away at Grays Athletic as they continued their preparations for the 2019/20 season.

A Town trialist scored what proved to be the decisive goal with 14 minutes to go when he headed home from a right-wing cross by Sam Bantick.

The visitors had a few notable absentees due to either holidays or injuries, but regulars from last season that made the starting 11 included Marc Weatherstone, Dan Rumens, Lewis Taaffe and Ryan Blackman.

Town’s first opportunity of the game came after just two minutes as Bantick took aim after receiving James Potton’s pass, but Grays keeper Danny Sambridge ushered it wide.

Grays responded and had a chance of their own after eight minutes when Joao Carlos broke down the left, however keeper Nathan McDonald dived to save at the feet of Emmanuel Ogunrinde. Steve King then had another opportunity for the hosts but his header flew way over the top.

McDonald once again denied Grays on 16 minutes when his fingertips kept out a powerful effort from George Doyle, but Enfield’s response saw them come forward again. Firstly Ryan Blackman fired over, and then Bantick couldn’t keep his header on target when presented with a cross from the right.

Chances were few and far between for both sides in the second half. Bantick came the closest when Danny Sambridge saved at his feet, and the keeper was equal to another effort from a trialist, pushing the ball around the post.

The winning goal came from Enfield, though, and it was courtesy of more good work from Bantick and the trialist, with the latter steering in a low cross to seal the win.

Town’s pre-season schedule continues tomorrow night when they host Hampton & Richmond Borough, with kick-off at 7.45pm.