It was a backs-to-the-wall effort by Garry Wilson's men who defended stubbornly for most of the game.

But with 89 minutes on the clock, Smatt climbed highest to nod home a Matt Crabb free kick from the right, the only goal of a hard-fought match.

The only blemish on the Borough win was a red card for Crabb in the dying seconds for two late yellows.

Jean-Michel Sigere and Jay Lovett started for Borough in place of Allan Tait and Mo Harkin.

The Essex club dominated the first half and should have been at least two goals to the good at the interval.

After just two minutes Jamie Taylor burst through and forced an excellent save from Hook 10 yards out.

Barry Cogan let another chance slip after Ben Austin had lost possession.

The home team's best opportunity, however, came after a quarter of an hour when Jenkins fouled Cogan, but Stuart Thurgood's penalty was too close to Hook who was able to parry the ball to safety.

Apart from a Jean-Michel Sigere burst on the left, Borough were able to create little during a first half which belonged almost exclusively to Grays.

In the second half, Grays again had the lion's share of the play, but the Borough defence looked a lot more solid preventing their opponents from creating chances.

The game was looking very much like a goalless draw, but when Smart was able to convert the Crabb free-kick, three hard-earned points were in the bag.

Borough boss Garry Wilson said afterwards, "The character of the side was superb and I thought we deserved the win on our second half performance."