Cray’s first game on the new 3G pitch at Hayes Lane saw them take on Bostick Premier Division side Dorking Wanderers in an entertaining pre-season match on Thursday night.

The Wands started the game well passing the ball round well, while Dorking were more direct, but very quick and both sides created early chances.

Matt Briggs was denied by Cray keeper Nick Blue, while Brandon Scott was a constant threat for the home side down the right and it was his sharp footwork and powerful drive from a tight angle that gave Cray the lead on 9 minutes, squeezing the ball inside the near post.

Scot and Jerome Walker had shots saved soon after by Slavomir Huk, while Dorking also had chances saved by Nicky Blue as the half went on.

The visitors pulled level on 34 minutes when a fiercely struck Giuseppe Sole free kick from outside caught Blue out and he was only able to tip the ball onto the underside of the bar which then deflected in for 1-1.

Both sides had opportunities to take the lead late on, but Lea Dawson and Karl Dent had efforts saved for The Wands, while Blue denied Briggs and Sole for the visitors twice.

The second half saw Cray have the best of things, but fail to make their chances count, Luke Medley had a shot saved before his fellow sub Michael Freiter hit an audacious 40 yard effort that was brilliantly saved by the Huk the acrobatic Dorking keeper.

Dawson and Medley had further chances saved before Freiter hit the foot of the post from a narrow angle, but it was the visitors who claimed the win with five minutes left.

A free kick from out wide was bundled home from close range by Isaac Philpott to make it 2-1 to Dorking, which was harsh on The Wands who played very well on their 3G debut at Hayes Lane.

Cray – Blue, Williams, Osibodu, Leader, Mitchell, Dawson, Dent, Carpenter, Walker, Scott, Sawyer.

Subs: Medley, Whitely, Freiter, Adesite.

Dorking Wands – Huk, Summerfield, Bead, Wray, Philpott, Sole, Moore, Briggs, Hutchinson, Pinnock, McShane.

Goals: Cray Scott 9mins. Dorking – Soled 34, Philpott 85mins.

HT 1-1 FT 1-2

Att: 68

Ref: Mr I Bentley