The two teams who call Hayes Lane home meet in a pre-season friendly on Saturday lunchtime as Bromley and Cray Wanderers both prepare for their new league campaigns.
National League Bromley have played twice so far winning 5-1 at Ashford Utd before losing by the same scoreline at home to Gillingham on Tuesday. Bostik League Division One Cray Wanderers have played just the once so far defeating SCEFL Div One side Sporting Club Thamesmead 8-0 at Coldharbour Sports Centre on Monday night. The Wands scheduled game for Wednesday against Great Wakering was cancelled due to the World Cup Semi Final, as was the attempted re-schedule for Thursday up in Essex.
Cray Manager Tony Russell added five players to his squad at the start of the week, including former Wands favourites Jerome Frederico and Sean Roberts, he also gave game time to some trialists during Monday night’s win.
Bromley manager Neil Smith’s plans suffered a blow when player coach Alan Dunne was stretchered off on Tuesday during a disappointing second half against their League One opponents. He will be looking closely at the performances of a number of players on trial hoping to make the cut into the squad come 4thAugust along with a number of new signings.
The Ravens were missing keeper David Gregory, Captain Jack Holland, defender Marc-Anthony Okoye and midfield dynamo Frankie Sutherland on Tuesday who were all carrying knocks, but they aren’t expected to be out for too long.
The two clubs have a long shared history and what is more of a friendly rivalry these days, both squads will feature players who have previously played for the opposition with former Cray academy product George Porter at Bromley and former Ravens Aaron Rhule and Michael Power at The Wands, while in the dug outs Cray coach Joe Vines played for both teams with distinction as did Bromley coach Mark Hammond.
The game kicks off at 12.30pm, entrance is £10 for adults, £ 5 for concessions and adults paying full price can bring two children to the match for free.