Cray Wanderers return to league action on Tuesday night after an FA Trophy weekend in what could be their last league game for a while due to the lockdown in England from Thursday 5th November.
The Wands make only their second ever trip to Bowers & Pitsea with the kick off at the Len Salmon Stadium at 7.45pm.
The Wands travel in better heart than their lasttrip to Essex as the Canvey Island game on 24th October was soon forgotten with two solid and professional performances to beat Merstham 6-0 at Hayes Lane on 28th October which moved Cray up to 4th in the table albeit only after seven games.
Then on Saturday, a tricky FA Trophy tie obstacle at Whitehawk was passed as Cray won 3-0 to make it through to Monday’s 1st Round draw. First half goals from Rhys Murrell-Williamson making it three in three league matches for the winger and a crucial strike on half time from Charlie Allen, his third of the season gave the Wands breathing space at the break.
Cray were able to fend off any Whitehawk fightback and found time four minutes from the end for Freddie Parker to score his 8th goal of the season. Freddie who scored 13 goal in the Isthmian South-East title winning season is on his way to breaking that target on current form.
Overall the team put in a very good performance in what could have been a hard tie in trying conditions but a solid defensive display with Martin Onoabaghbe and Jay Leader outstanding and as well as terrific performances from Charlie Allen and Kyron Richards in midfield, the two wingers were a constant threat and Joe Taylor up front gave a masterclass performance in centre-forward play and involved in all three goals.
Bowers & Pitsea currently lie 13th in the league table but that is quite a deceptive position as Rob Small’s side have only played five league games and won three, drawn one and lost once narrowly to Worthing so are a side a that will pose a strong challenge. They do come into the game on the back of an FA Trophy defeat on Saturday, 1-3 at home to Hornchurch after taking the lead through Luca Albon’s first half penalty.
They started their season flying with a 2-1 win at Wingate & Finchley on 20th September and followed up with a 7-0 home win v Leatherhead and 2-1 v Brightlingsea Regent giving them maximum points from their first three matches along with Cray and Worthing. Since then they drew 1-1 at Lewes o 6th October and lost 1-2 at Worthing on 10th October. In the FA Cup, Bowers advanced past Barton Rovers comfortably 5-1 at home before losing again at home to Hornchurch 0-3. Billy Knott is the leading scorer with 7 goals in league and cups.
The sides met for the first time in the Isthmian Premier last season as both were Champions of the South-East and North in 2018-19. Cray won both matches, 3-1 at Hayes Lane on 2nd October, 2019 with goals from Andre Coker, Joe Taylor and Tom Carlse. The Wands won the corresponding game on 11th January at Bowers, 2-1 coming from behind to win with goals from Taylor and debut winner from Rhys Murrell-Williamson. Bowers though settled well in their first season in the division and were 14th when the season ended in March and comfortably clear of any relegation trouble.
Both sides have started the season well and if this is to be the last league game for some time should be a great way to sign off before the break. Ticket prices £12 adults. £6 OAPs, £3 16-12 yo’s, U12s free with adult.
Capacity: 600
Pics: Jon Hilliger, www.hilligerpix.com