In a thoroughly entertaining game between two good teams Cray just edged out Faversham with a single goal eleven minutes from time to record their first league win of the season.

Faversham started the game brightly Dean Grant hit a half volley narrowly wide early on before The Wands battled into things with William Godman making a fine double save from Lee Prescott and Karl Dent. Grant went close again with a superb dipping effort that was tipped over by Nick Blue.

Charlie Robertson went close for the visitors soon after and Lea Dawson blocked another shot from Grant before Cray fought back again. From a Grant Basey corner Paul Lorraine saw his header cleared off the line by Kieron Campbell and soon after from another dead ball Jay Leader headed the ball back to Lorraine who was again denied this time by Godman.

Half time 0-0

The second half started a little more cagey with the heat taking it’s toll on the players, Solomon Taiwo was at the heart of all the good things Cray did in midfield and on the hour they were handed a great chance to take the lead.

Jonte Smith played a great pass to Dent who was floored by Daniel Carrington for a clear penalty. Basey stepped up to take the spot kick, but he blasted his shot straight at Godman who gathered the ball with the minimum of fuss.

Taiwo had a free kick saved by the excellent Faversham keeper before they went on to have a decent spell of pressure. Josh Stanford hit a free kick wide and Robertson was denied by Blue as The Wands looked tired and over played at the back. The introduction of Max Williams once again proved to be the spark that Cray needed and a within a few minutes they grabbed the vital goal.

A deep Basey free kick was headed back across goal by Dawson and Anthony Adesite bundled the ball home at the far post to the joy of The Wands faithful . Late on John Scarborough was cautioned after some heavy challenges on Jonte Smith and Taiwo was caught by Bewick who was booked after a lengthy delay for a scuffle and treatment that ended with a booking.

In the final few minutes Brandon Scott played in Smith whose shot was saved by Godman before getting up to also deny Williams. In injury time Scott was denied by another Godman save after a strong run from midfield, which was enough to run the clock out and seal a superb win for Tony Russell’s side.

The two teams meet again next week at Salters Lane for an FA Cup tie, which should certainly prove to be another strongly contested encounter.

Full time 1-0

Cray: Blue, McDonnagh, Basey, Leader, Lorraine, Dawson, Taiwo, Prescott (Adesite 65), Smith, Dent (Williams 75), Scott.

Subs Not Used: Osibodu, McKinlay, Ledgister.

Faversham: Godman, Cooper, Tenyue, Carrington, Scarborough, Bewick, Robertson, Campbell (Bourne 79), Grant, Harvey (King 66), Stanford.

Subs Not Used: Dowadu, Ratcliff, Cheek.

Ref: R Claussen

Att: 155