Cray Wanderers play their second Isthmian League Premier Division home game on Saturday afternoon when they entertain league leaders Lewes at Flamingo Park.

The Wands go into the game have won one and lost two of their opening league games, the latest being a 3-1 defeat at Hendon last weekend, with Nyren Clunis scoring the only goal for Neil Smith’s side in the second half.

Smith has been unlucky with injuries to his squad so far this season, he was without centre back Tom Bonner, but has brought Harrison Sodje back to the club having been here on loan from Leyton Orient in 2022/23. One huge bonus for Cray Wands has been the attendances since they started playing at the new stadium, 840 seeing their opening league home game against Cray Valley PM, while pre-season games with Crystal Palace & Millwall Under 21 sides drew over 700 and 1,046 saw them entertain a young Spurs side. 

Lewes make the trip up from Sussex sitting at the top of the table having won all three of their opening league games. Last Saturday The Rooks won 2-1 at home to Hashtag Utd with goals from Matt Warren & Eddie Allsopp, having gone one down early on in the game. 

When the sides met at Hayes Lane in January last season the game ended 1-1, Tayo Oyebola scoring for The Wands before a late equaliser for The Rooks from Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala. Since then Lewes have had a managerial change with Craig Nelson taking charge of the team in May and getting off to the perfect start this campaign. Among the current Rooks’ squad is Marcus Sablier who had a loan spell with The Wands during his time at Bromley.        

With Cray in need of three points and Lewes looking to maintain their winning start, this should be a closely fought, entertaining game at The Wands new home with another healthy crowd in attendance.     

Supporters are advised that there will be road works on the A20 this weekend and to allow extra time for their journey.

Entrance for the game is £12 for adults, £6 for concessions and there is an excellent printed programme for £3. Kick off is at 3pm.   

Image courtesy of Dave Budden