Cray suffered another heavy defeat at Hayes Lane on Sunday against an impressive Lewes side who were to powerful for The Wands to handle in the second half and looked better than their mid table league position.

The game started in an open fashion with both sides playing attacking football and looking to take the initiative, but it was the away side who struck first when a deep corner was headed home by Ben Austin on 18 minutes.

Cray continued to battle, but lacked the cutting edge up front and were grateful to Keeper Darren Behcet for keeping the score down as he pulled off some impressive saves. Going into the break there was still all to play for though.

The second half saw Lewes start stronger and make the most of their dominance just after the hour when Luke Blewden scored with a low drive after catching the home defence flat footed.

The Rocks put the game beyond doubt on 72 minutes when they were awarded what looked a very soft penalty smartly despatched by Jack Dixon, Cray manager Keith Bird was sent off for his protests.

Three minutes later it was 4-0 when Dixon scored again this time from open play firing a fierce shot home from out wide.

Lewes’ final goal came on 8 3minutes when Sam Crabb hit a low drive past Behcet from the edge of the box with The Wands wide open.

Late substitute Moses Ashikodi came on for his first appearance for Cray and marked it with an impressive on 89 minutes curling a beautiful striker just under the bar from 20 yards out.

This was a tough afternoon for Keith Bird’s who will now have to face up to the strong possibility of life in Ryman League Division One North next season.

 

Cray Wands: Behcet, Udoji, Bird, James-Lewis, Koo Boothe, Orome, Berry, Stavrinou, Campbell, Vines, Smith.

Subs: Gionaolis, Simpson, Beckett, Ashikodi, Obamonyi.

Star Man: Jack Dixon (Lewes)

Match Rating: 3/5

Att: 317