Cray Wanderers take on Charlton Athletic U23s in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup Quarter Final at Hayes Lane on Wednesday night.

Despite having gone through two rounds to get to this stage, Cray manager Tony Russell says he will have to field a virtual Under 23 side himself with the demanding Christmas fixtures schedule ahead as they challenge for promotion.    

The Wands have seen off Thamesmead Town 3-0 and Dartford 4-2 to reach this round, but with the team sitting second in the Bostik Division One South table after their 2-0 win at Whyteleafe on Saturday the crazy fixture demands of a 46 game league season on top of a good run in the FA Trophy are proving too much.

The Wands are due to play four games in nine days over the holidays and with the promotion push in mind, Russell will rest a number of first team players.

Jason Euell’s exciting young side progressed past Welling Utd to reach the quarter final, winning 1-0 at Park View Road and currently sit fifth in their league with 22 points from 14 games played.    

The game should provide good experience for The Wands side who will be keen to make an impression against their opponents from a local League One club.