This cup tie between tenants and landlords was given added interest by the managerial debut of Cray’s new bosses Keith Bird & Mick Paye who were recruited from Bromley’s Reserve Team only three days earlier.

The struggling Wands fielded a much changed line up with several debutants, including two from Bromley’s Reserve team, and were unlucky over the piece not to at least take the game to extra time.

Bromley started the brighter and after Mullings and Buchanan went close it was Waldren who headed The Ravens in front with a far post header from a corner. Cray responded well though and Kennedy forced a great save from Welch with a well struck free kick.

The game really opened up Kennedy went close again soon after and Whitnell shot just wide for The Wands while Swallow shot wide & Buchanan hit the underside of the bar for Bromley.

Then on 43 minutes Whitnell equalised for Cray with a fantastic run and finish that showed he can still do the business. Late in the half Smith was denied when Grainger made a fantastic save from his free kick to keep it level at the break.

The second half saw Bromley start well with Erskine & Mullings having efforts saved by Grainger, but it was Cray who took the lead on the hour when Whitnell again produced a fine finish to make it 2-1.

The game flowed from end to end with both sides stretched and The Ravens drew level on 74 minutes when Erskine drove the ball low past Grainger into the corner for 2-2.

O’Connor was denied by Grainger soon after & Buchanan shot just over while Cray went close when Lapin had a great effort saved by Welch. Late in the game both sides pressed for a winner and when Hughes’ header was brilliantly tipped away by Welch Bromley broke quickly up the other end and Academy player O’Connor showed great composure to beat Grainger one on one sliding the ball low into the corner of the net to win the game for Mark Goldberg’s men 3 minutes into injury time.

 

Cray: Grainger, Lapin, Asmpan, Day, Orome, Talbot, Kennedy, Barden, Whitnell, Stavrinou, German.

Subs: Hughes, Fray, Coleman, Clark, Anibaba.

 

Bromley: Welch, O’Connor, Turner, Waldren, Smith, Kiernan, Swallow, Buchanan, Nicholls, Mullings, Erskine.

Subs: Gaughan, Hibbert, De Georgiou, Gallagher, Bozigit.

 

Goals:   Cray: Whitnell 43 & 60mins.

Bromley: Waldren 8mins, Erskine 74mins, O’Connor 93mins

 

Match Rating:  3/5

 

Star Man: Grainger (Cray Wands)

 

Referee: Mr Kelly