A dramatic late comeback saw Cray grab a point from a game they looked to have lost to an impressive Sittingbourne side who will be disappointed to have only come away with a draw from this season opener.

The Brickies started the game on top with Remell Davies going close before Steffan Wright was denied by Nicky Blue in the home goal and Hicham Akhazzan hit the bar from a long range free kick. Cray finally battled into things after a quarter of an hour with Jay leader heading a corner over and Gran Basey having a free kick saved by Simon Overland.

The Wands began to have the better of the play as the half went on and they took the lead on 23minutes when a slick passing move set up Joel Ledgister on the edge of the box who smashed the ball high into the net for 1-0. Sittingbourne rallied from there Steven Ita shot narrowly wide from a tight angle and Davies had a shot deflected wide. Basey found Ledgister on the edge of the box again soon after, but this time the winger fired over.

Bourne once again had a spell of dominance going into the break and drew level on 38minutes when a near post corner was headed home by Davies. Ita and Jono Richardson both went close and Blue denied Davies again as The Wands were grateful to go in level.

Half time 1-1

The second half began with Sittingbourne on top again as Cray struggled to find any cohesion, Davies fired wide before Richardson had a header saved from a corner, only for Miles Cornwell to head home the rebound on 58minutes. Karl Dent had a rare effort saved for The Wands before The Brickies extende their lead on 71minutes when Cornwell ended a great run into the heart of the home defence with a sublime finish past Blue for 1-3.

After a quiet spell broken up by substitutions Cray finally managed to build up some momentum, Leader headed over from a set piece before the introduction of Max Williams proved to be a master move from Tony Russell. From a near post corner the striker flicked home a header to pull it back to 2-3 on 88minutes, he then shot just wide soon after and set up Sean Roberts who had his shot saved by Overland.

Then in injury a long ball found Paul Lorraine on the edge of the box and his knock down found Roberts who headed home from ten yards out to secure a dramatic equaliser against the stunned visitors.

The Wands now make the long journey overseas to Guernsey on Wednesday night hoping to start the game as they finished this one.

Full Time 3-3

Cray: Blue, McDonagh, Basey, Leader, Lorraine, Taiwo, Dawson, Roberts, Njie (Hunt 59), Dent (Williams 84), Ledgister (Adesite 59).

Subs Not Used: McKinlay, Osibodu.

Sittingbourne: Overland, Lee, Carsle, Tanner, Richardson, Steventon, Akhazzan, Wright, Davies (Fuller 85), Cornwell (Brunt 76), Ita (Embury 68).

Subs Not Used: Rumball, Wilkins.

Goals: Cray – Ledgister 23, Williams 88, Roberts 90+mins . Sittingbourne – Davies 38, Cornwell 59 7 71mins

Ref: Mr L Crowhurst

Att: 176