Cray Wanderers break new ground this evening as Neil Smith’s side travel to Hornchurch in the Isthmian Premier Playoff Semi-Final in what is sure to be an evening of high drama.

Kick off 7.45pm and the game will be decided on the night if level after ninety minutes and extra time on penalties. The winners will face Canvey Island or Aveley in the Final on Monday 1st May.

After an arduous 42 game league season, Cray Wanderers finished the Isthmian Premier season in 5th place, the club’s highest ever league position with 74 points, also a club record at Step 3 level.

Following a 0-2 defeat to Hornchurch at Hayes Lane on 25th February, then 10th placed Cray Wanderers went on a nine game unbeaten run with seven wins and two draws to move back into contention for the playoffs and this was achieved on the final day of the season following a 2-2 draw at Haringey Borough on Saturday.

The Wands finished level on points with 6th placed Lewes but by a slight margin of a plus two goal difference made it through to the nerve wracking post-season crack at promotion to the National South where Cray have never played before.

The transformation of the club’s fortunes since Neil Smith was appointed in late March 2022 has been remarkable with Cray surviving relegation on the final day of the 2021-22 season and by many experts were expected to finish no higher than 18th this season.

So for Cray to quietly go about their business through the season and amass twenty wins, fourteen draws and eight defeats (another club Isthmian Premier record) shows a side that was hard to beat and two good unbeaten spells during the season kept the club in contention.

A run of one league defeat in twelve (at home to eventual champions Bishop’s Stortford) between late November-January saw Cray move up to 2nd place in the table.

After a mini-blip in February like most teams have in a season of one win in five, Cray hit form at the right time and remained unbeaten from 4th March to the end and the side merited their shot at promotion.

At Haringey on Saturday, Cray went two nil up through Dan Bassett who with 15 goals was the top scorer in the league campaign and Tom Derry whose 37th minute header was his 12th of the season.

Despite a strong Haringey comeback to draw the game, this didn’t dampen the achievement at the end of reaching the playoffs and a visit to Mark Stimson’s Hornchurch side.

This will be a tough test for the Wands as Hornchurch finished 2nd in the table on 84 points and scored 98 goals eventually finishing four points behind Bishop’s Stortford.

The Urchins’ finished their league campaign with a 2-1 win at Kingstonian, coming from behind to win with goals from Jamie Mascoll and Ade Yusuff.

Hornchurch defeated the Wands twice during the season although not much to choose between the sides with Hornchurch winning 2-1 at home on 24th September with two Sam Higgins goals with the winner coming five minutes from time with Dan Bassett levelling for Cray.

Hornchurch won 2-0 at Cray on 25th February with a goal in each half from Yusuff and ex-Wand Chris Dickson. At that stage Hornchurch looked to be in the driving seat for promotion but a run of four games without a win in March-early April just tipped the balance Bishop’s Stortford’s way who ended the season with seven straight wins.

Although Cray will have to earn promotion the hard way by winning both ties away from home, Cray can take solace in a decent record at Hornchurch which is in stark contrast to Hayes Lane and the Wands have won four times in the Isthmian Premier era at Bridge Road compared to just one win at Hayes Lane.

Hornchurch have experience in the Isthmian Premier playoffs with four previous appearances. Their first was as the previous Hornchurch club in the 2004-05 season losing at AFC Wimbledon in the semi-final.

As AFC Hornchurch they gained promotion in 2011-12 beating Bury Town and Lowestoft Town both at home to earn promotion to the National South.

After a one season stay they returned to the playoffs in 2013-14 beating Kingstonian in the Semi-Final before losing at Lowestoft Town in the final.

Finally, back as Hornchurch last season they reached the final again after winning 3-2 at Enfield Town in the Semi-Final but lost 2-3 to Cheshunt at home.

They have also reached two Isthmian North playoff Finals in 2015-16 and 2016-17 losing at Harlow Town and Thurrock respectively.

Hornchurch also have recent successful knockout football experience after winning the FA Trophy in 2020-21.

The Wands have played in five Step 4 playoffs, losing at Horsham in 2004-05, reached the final in 2007-08 losing at Tooting & Mitcham United after beating Metropolitan Police in the semi-final.

Cray earned promotion to the Isthmian Premier in 2008-09 after beating Worthing and Met Police in the final. Cray also reached the Isthmian North playoffs in 2015-16 (along with Hornchurch) losing at Harlow Town and in 2017-18 in the Isthmian South lost at home to Walton Casuals in the semi-final.

Whatever happens Cray Wanderers lasted the distance over the season to earn this crack at the playoffs and promises to be an exciting as well as tense occasion for management, players and supporters alike but one to relish.

Admission £12 adult, £7 concessions, £3 (12-16 yo’s), £2 (u12’s) – Pay on gate or online at https://hornchurchfc.ktckts.com/event/hch2223ilpposf/hornchurch-vs-cray-wanderers

Printed programme £2.50

Pictures supplied by Jonas Lustara.