Cray Wanderers picked up their first win of the new season courtesy of an injury time goal from substitute Billy Crook in a hard fought game against Canvey Island on a warm Saturday afternoon at Hayes Lane. 

The game got off to a lively start with both sides looking to attack, Cray created the clearer chances though with Mitchell Chapman hitting the bar from 25 yards out, Tom Derry having a shot saved and then Chapman headed over from an Anthony Cook corner.

As Neil Smith’s side continued to press, Michael Ademiluyi also went close for the home side as did Danny Bassett who fired over with a free kick.

Cook then set up Sam Skeffington whose shot was saved by Rhys Byrne in The Gulls goal and Cook then went close from range himself.

With the half drawing to a close Canvey had a strong spell of pressure, Evans Kouassi was denied by Shaun Rowley in The Wands goal at his near post and after two corners former Cray player Luca Albon shot wide from just inside the area.

The second half started with Ademiluyi driving a shot wide, while at the other end Conor Hubble had an effort deflected wide for a corner.

The game was then delayed for some time after Alex Bentley sustained a nasty cut to his head, Cray Physio Emily Sawyer was kept busy all game which lead to seven minutes of added on time, and when it re-started Canvey had a good spell.

Danny Parrish having a goal disallowed for offside as The Gulls pressed, Albon also going close with a shot that deflected wide for a corner. Hubble fired over from the set piece, before Cray rallied late on.

Danny Bassett had a powerful drive tipped over by Byrne after good work by Cook and Ben Krauhaus.

Then in the second minute of injury time a Bassett cross from the left was deftly headed home by Billy Crook at the front post into the roof of the net to make it 1-0.

From there Cray dug in a defended doggedly for the remaining five minutes with Albon shooting wide from a corner, but The Wands held on for their first three points and a precious clean sheet. 

Cray now travel to Bishop’s Stortford on Friday night looking to build on the win and move further up the table.

Cray – Rowley, Bentley, Joseph, Jones, Cook, Chapman, Skeffington (Crook 81), Bassett, Derry (Lockyer 75), Clunis, Ademiluyi (Krauhaus 70).

Subs Not Used: Munting. 

Canvey: Byrne, Hall, Salmon, Griddlestone, Ronto (Tinubu 70), Hubble, Parrish (Sach 70), Kouassi, Chandler, Albon (Finneran 95).

Subs Not Used: Sorondo.     

Goal: Crook 92mins. 

HT 0-0 FT 1-0 

Att: 242

Ref: Graham Swanton