Cray recorded an impressive win over Aveley on Tuesday night to continue their fine start to the season under Tony Russell and move into fifth place in the table.

The game started in open fashion with both sides looking to attack, Aveley  went close when Abs Seymour’s free kick was headed wide by Steve Willis, but it was The Wands who took the lead on 11 minutes.

Ex-Charlton full back Grant Basey sent in a superb corner which Lea Dawson powerfully headed home.

Aveley almost equalised from the next attack when Liam Nash forced a fine save from Nicky Blue and the rebound was cleared off the line before the ball was scrambled away.

Cray’s pacey right back Ade Osifuwa set up the equally quick Andre McCollin who had his shot deflected wide and Leigh Bremner was denied by Aveley keeper James Marrable.

McCollin had another effort cleared off the line by Spencer Harrison before The Wands went 2-0 up on 26 minutes with McCollin and Osifuwa setting up Karl Dent who blasted the ball home.

The game flowed from end to end at a frenetic pace and Aveley had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Blue appeared to pull down Seymour challenging for a loose ball and Seymour went close with a free kick from distance soon after.

Cray finished the half well though, Bremner went close twice and Mark Ouani had a powerful shot save by Marrable after a strong run into the box.

The second half saw Cray start very well, Ouani was denied by Marrable, Bramner headed wide from an Ouani cross and Dean Carpenter headed a corner over the bar.

Aveley had a good spell from the hour mark with Peraman denied by Blue, and despite some solid Cray defending their pressure eventually told on 85 minutes when Willis headed home a Deen cross.

Cray responded though and came back into things late on, Oauni went close and Orome forced a fine save from Marrable before the third goal sealed the win in injury time when McCollin hit the bar before turning home the rebound.

This was a fine team performance which showed the new Wands side really mean business this season and they will hope to carry this on as they travel to Chatham Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

 

Cray: Blue, Osifuwa, Reeves, Carpenter, Dawson, Roberts, Dent (Moore 66), Bremner (Orome 80), McCollin, Ouani (Lodge 90).

Subs Not Used: Powell, Deakin.

Aveley: Marrable, Preston, Deen, Baker, Harrison, Willis, Nash (Peagram 53), Holland (Retkoceri 66), Pearman, Elibi, Seymour.

Subs Not Used: Stanley, Elliott, Dunn.

Goals: Cray – Dawson 11, Dent 26, McCollin 90mins. Aveley – Willis 85mins.

HT 2-0 FT 3-1.

Att: 140

Referee: Mr S Butler