Cray secured their Ryman League status with a fine 4-1 win over Tilbury at Hayes Lane on Sunday afternoon with an impressive team display completing their ninth win in a row.

After an even start to the game Cray began to look the stronger side, they had a good shout for a penalty after a foul on Warren Whiteley, but after a scramble in the box they did take the lead on 12 minutes when Chris Piper fired home from ten yards.

Thomas Wood forced a save from Cray keeper Luke Colquhoun soon after, but The Wands continued to do most of the attacking Whiteley set up Rory Hill who hit the post before they made it 2-0 on 40 minutes when Alex Teniola’s cross shot from the left deflected in off a Tilbury defender.

Tilbury rallied though and pulled one back two minutes later when Wood’s shot was blocked on the line by Cesc Fakinos only for Neil Richmond to convert the rebound, leaving the game in the balance at the break.

The second half saw Cray come out looking more determined Tom Bolarinwa and Teniola went close early on but the visitors defended solidly despite long periods of pressure.

The Wands made sure of the game and league survival on 72 minutes when Teniola powered through the defence and coolly slotted the ball past Jack Giddens for 3-1.

Whiteley had a dipping free kick tipped over by Giddens and he also set up Adrian Stone who was denied by The Dockers custodian before the final goal came on 89 minutes.

Whiteley crossed for Stone who took the ball round Giddens and slid the ball home past three defenders on the line.

Stone went close again in injury time before Richmond was shown a second yellow card for a late hack on Nathan Simpson as the visitors frustration boiled over.

Whatever happens from here Tommy Warrilow’s time as Cray manager will be remembered for this incredible feat escaping from relegation when they looked domed only six weeks ago before this incredible run of wins taking all 27 points from the last nine games and staying up with a game to spare.

The Wands now travel to Dereham next Saturday with the pressure off having completed The Great Escape.

Cray: Colquhoun, Orome, Simpson, Fakinos, Humphrey, Hill (Pass 90), Bolarinwa, Piper (Springett 72), Rook (Stone 75), Teniola, Whiteley.

Subs Not Used: Smith, Griffin.

Tilbury: Giddens, Pooley, Cook, Johnson, Smith, Game, Flack (Duarte 69), Carlile, Richmond, Wood (Daniel 78), Aiken.

Subs Not Used:  Webb, Austin, Ryan.

Goals: Cray – Piper 12, Teniola 40 & 72, Stone 89mins. Tilbury:  Richmond 42mins.

HT 2-1 FT 4-1.

Att: 236

Referee: Mr N West