There is a potentially title deciding Kent Derby at Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon when Cray Wanderers entertain Ashford United in the Bostik League Division One South East, with the home side needing two points to win the championship and the visitors needing to win their final four matches to catch them.
Tony Russell’s side have only picked up two points from their last four games since moving to within touching distance of the title and had a frustrating afternoon last Sunday when they drew 1-1 with Greenwich Borough, missing a last minute penalty that would have won them the league.
The Wands have missed the influential presence of Bradley Pritchard in midfield who has been injured along with captain Barney Williams. Cray have had bad luck with injuries all season having lost Aaron Rhule and Michael Power long term early on in the campaign, yet they have still lead the way at the top since August.
When the sides met at Homelands in September The Wands ran out 3-1 winners with two goals from Michael Power and one from Jay Leader, The Nuts and Bolts solitary strike coming from Stefan Cox. Left back Tom Carlse was playing for Ashford that day, but he will be lining up for The Wands on Saturday after making the move to join Cray early last month.
Last weekend Ashford lost 3-1 at Hythe Town, which saw them slip to fourth in the table with 61 points from 32 games, The Wands have 73 points from 32 matches, while in the chasing pack Horsham have 65 with three games to play and Hastings Utd have 62 with four matches left. All three of the clubs below The Wands need to win their remaining games and hope that Cray continue to stumble.
Season ticket holders from Premier League, Football League & National League teams can watch the game for only £5 with production of their ticket at the gate, while normal prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Still a very reasonable price for what could be a historic afternoon for Cray Wanderers FC as they look to regain their Premier Division status they lost four years ago.