WALTHAM FOREST FC narrowly beat Grays Athletic in a cup match last night.

The 1-0 win at Cricklefield means the Stags now advance into round two of the Championship Manager Cup.

Andrew Thomas struck on 57 minutes with the decisive goal.

The result also handed boss Tony Mercer his first win of the season.

"They had one great chance in the first half and we had about five after the break," reflected club secretary Andy Perkin.

"We played a lot better than we have being doing."