The all Kent relegation Boxing Day scrap between Cray Wanderers and Margate at Hayes Lane was abandoned after 92 minutes with the scores tied at zero due to a serious injury to Yahya Bamba.

The game got off to a positive start for The Wands who looked to attack at pace, but their final ball was just slightly off and the momentum was halted for several free kicks and breaks for treatment to players.

Neil Smith’s side had a few set pieces cleared by the resolute Margate defence and their frustration grew as they felt they were getting on the wrong end of the close decisions.

The visitors’ first effort on goal came when Fyn Rutherford’s long distance shot was spilled by Shaun Rowley, but the home defence cleared the danger.

Ben Greengalgh went close with a long range free kick for Gate soon after firing over, while late on at the other end Bamba had a goal bound shot blocked when well placed. 

The second half saw Margate start on top, Steve Cawley having a shot saved by Rowley, before Cray rallied and battled their way back into things.

Then on the hour mark Margate were reduced to ten men as former Wanderer Tyrone Sterling was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Bamba on the halfway line, one of eight yellow cards shown in total by Referee Tolu Sangowawa.

Smith made an attacking substitution soon after bringing on Anthony Cook as The Wands looked to make their numerical advantage count, but despite lengthy spells of pressure they just couldn’t find a way through the visitors’ defence.

Late in the game Bamba broke clear and had a shot saved by Seaden, Jamie Mascoll hit the side netting after a break down the left and Ellis Brown fired wide latching on to a Gary Lockyer knock down.

In the second of four minutes injury time Cray pressed once more, a deep cross from Macsoll was headed towards goal by Lockyer and as Bamba challenged for the ball he collided with Seaden and was left lying unconscious at the far post.

After a lengthy delay the players were led down the tunnel with the medical teams from both teams administering vital treatment to Bamba on the pitch and waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Twenty minutes later the decision was made to call the game off and Bamba was eventually taken away in an ambulance with the best wishes of everyone in attendance and hopefully making a speedy recovery.

The Wands are back in action on Friday night when they entertain Enfield Town at Hayes Lane, hoping to try and finish the year with a positive result. 

CWFC – Rowley, Kwatchey (Tompson 82), Black, Holland, Macsoll, Ijaha (Wood 82), Brown, Raymond, Porter (Cook 65), Lockyer, Bamba.

Subs Not Used: Evans, Gabriel. 

MFC – Seadon, Poku, Knight, Sterling, Ashworth, Hudson, Gordon (Tobin 66), Dogan (Johnson 62), Rutherford, Greenhalgh, Cawley (Bowman 92).

Subs Not Used: Hobbs, Mazzone.   

Referee: Mr Tolu Sangowawa

Att: 291