Cray Wanderers return to Isthmian League Premier Division action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Hornchurch at Hayes Lane in a game both teams need to win to help their chances at either end of the table.

The Wands go into the game sitting in twenty first place with 32 points from 38 games, having had three points deducted for playing an ineligible player against Lewes in August.

Since taking charge a fortnight ago, new manager Neil Smith has over seen two 2-1 defeats, the latest being a late loss at Leatherhead with Ethan Kaiser putting The Wands in front before they conceded two late goals.

With only four games left Cray need to start picking up points urgently, having lost four of their last five league games while other teams who were below them started winning.

The run in for The Wands certainly looks tough with away games at Enfield Town & Bishop Stortford who are both challenging at the top of the table and a home game with East Thurrock who are also fighting the drop.

Hornchurch travel over from Essex sitting in fourth place with 75 points from 38 matches on an excellent run of form as they challenge for the play offs.

Last weekend The Urchins won 2-1 at Cheshunt with goals from Tom Wraight and an OG, their fourth win in the last five games, drawing the other.

Mark Stimson’s team are the current FA Trophy holders and a member of that winning side Chris Dickson is now lining up for The Wands.

When the sides met at Bridge Road in August, Cray won 2-1 with goals from Jamie Yila & Ejiro Okosieme, Liam Nash scoring for Hornchurch, one of his twenty goals so far this season for the club.

The stakes are high for Cray Wands and Hornchurch going into Sunday’s match and it looks set to be an entertaining game with a lot riding on it.                       

Entry for the game is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, with an excellent printed programme for £2. Kick off is at 3pm.  

Picture supplied by Jon Hilliger.