Cray Wanderers interest in the FA Trophy came to an end as two late goals settled a tight cup tie in Canvey Island’s favour at the Frost Hire Stadium.
Cray had the better of the openings over the ninety minutes but with seven minutes to go Frankie Merrifield gave Canvey the lead following up Marlin Agyakwa’s shot and then sealed victory three minutes into stoppage time.
The Wands who are unbeaten in the league came into the game in a confident mood but knew that this would be a tough game against a strong and resolute Canvey Island side who are sixth in the Bostik North.
From the side which won 7-2 against Faversham Town last Saturday there was one change to the starting line up with Mitchell Nelson coming in for Bradley Pritchard.
On a very warm if slightly breezy afternoon it was the home side who begun the brighter and had the first opportunity in the 7th minute when Nick Blue’s clearance came out to Josh Hutchinson who shot over from 25 yards.
In the tenth minute Canvey had a good chance when experienced striker Martin Tuohy got behind Nelson and from the left of the area saw his shot pushed away well one handed by Blue. From the corner, Sam Collins header was cleared away.
Cray though showed their intent and had a good spell just after the quarter of an hour mark. Firstly good work by Junior Dadson down the left saw him cut inside the area and his near post shot was pushed away by Harry Palmer.
Two minutes later Freddie Parker found space to set up Malik Solebo for a low shot which was saved by Palmer.
This was followed by another save from Palmer this time pushing Sean Roberts deflected shot over for another corner.
In the 20th minute from a Barney Williams right wing corner to the back of the area Jay Leader’s header was goalbound but was put behind by Tuohy for a corner.
Cray completed a good ten minute spell of pressure when Jerome Federico down the right set up Ben Mundele who drove just wide from 12 yards of the left post. Then a free kick was played into the area but the impressive Tom Phipp glanced a header wide.
Canvey had been soaking up the pressure well and almost grabbed a goal when Tuohy who had a good game up front was unlucky to see a lofted chip over Blue drift across the box and out to Hutchinson whose header was cleared off the line by Williams.
Before half time Collins hooked an effort over for Canvey Island while for Cray Federico did well to set up Phipp who shot wide under pressure from Merrifield.
The last action of the half came with Phipp cutting in from the left and his shot was safely gathered by Palmer.
At half time it was looking like maybe one goal would win the tie after an intriguing if rather cagey first half.
Half Time: 0-0
The second half began with a lot more zip to the play and Cray had a good spell immediately after the break. 
Firstly, Solebo was brought down on the edge of the D and from the free kick, Phipp curled the ball round the wall and Palmer shovelled the ball away.
Then a good move saw Mundele and Solebo combine to set up Dadson down the left who fired a shot narrowly over the top.
Moments later Solebo was again involved setting up Parker who did well to get a shot from just inside the area which Palmer got down to save at the right post.
Canvey though were very much in the game and Collins hit a shot over the top from 30 yards. Then good play by Hutchinson down the right saw a run close to the byline and his ball was across was just missed by the onrushing Tuohy. This was followed by a free kick in a good position seeing Collins shot hit the wall.
The game was getting a bit bogged down but Cray came close a couple of times with Dadson’s cross from the left falling to Federico but couldn’t get purchase to his effort and Palmer claimed the ball.
This was followed by a good passing move for Cray with Mundele’s first time cross was flicked back by Parker and Dadson laid the ball to Williams who drove wide from the edge of the box.
Merrifield shot just wide for Canvey while Williams hit a volley wide for Cray but it seemed that a replay on Wednesday night may be beckoning as both defences were well on top.
Canvey introduced Marlin Agyakwa with fifteen minutes to go and he made an impact down the right and in the 83rd minute was instrumental in breaking the deadlock. Exchanging passes with Tuohy he made a run into the right of the area and his attempted chipped shot over Blue looked to be heading into the net but Merrifield made sure by poking into the net from a couple of yards out.
Cray fought hard to get back into things and Karl Dent was introduced with five minutes to go in an attempt to save the tie. Cray came close to tying the game a minute into injury time when from a free kick Blue’s ball forward was flicked on by Solebo and Parker into the path of Phipp who drove a shot wide of the left post.
In the third minute of stoppage time the game was decided when Williams rather underhit his back pass and Merrifield pounced and took the ball round Blue and rolled the ball into the net to give the final scoreline something of a false gloss.
This always looked a tough tie when the draw was made in July and so it proved and Canvey are well marshalled at the back with James White and George Allen and will be a tough side to beat. Cray certainly gave it their best shot but perhaps just didn’t have the rub of the green in front of goal.
Cray will now be free to concentrate on the task of gaining promotion from the Bostik South-East and take their unbeaten record to Herne Bay on Saturday looking to get back on track.
Cray Wanderers: Nick Blue, Ben Mundele, Barney Williams (Capt), Jay Leader, Mitchell Nelson, Tom Phipp, Sean Roberts, Malik Solebo, Freddie Parker, Junior Dadson, Jerome Federico (Karl Dent, 85): Subs: Iffy Onwuachu, Zak Henry, Marcus Evans, Joe Vines.
Canvey Island: Harry Palmer, Jake Jolliffe, Jordan Brown, James White (Capt.), George Allen, Alex Stephenson, Josh Hutchinson, Sam Collins, Martin Tuohy, Frankie Merrifield, Ryan Melaugh (Marlin Agyakwa, 75): Subs: Jose Figura, Jake Pitty, Jordan Cox, Elliott Warren.
Booked: Stephenson
Referee: Matthew Harrison
Assistants: Bradley Mingay, Edward Frazer
Att: 207