Cray Wanderers are back on their travels on Saturday after two successive home matches as Neil Smith’s side in 6th place visit league leaders Hornchurch. Kick off: 3pm.

Cray will be looking to bounce back after a 0-1 defeat to Hastings United on Wednesday night which ended a six game unbeaten run in the league and the only time in the league Cray had failed to score in the first eight games of the season.

Despite the defeat performances had been good and a special mention to Tom Derry who filled in at centre half when Sinn’kaye Christie had to go off and did well showing his versatility. Although there were few chances for either side on Wednesday, Dan Bassett has scored in three of his last four league games and Billy Crook gets stronger and stronger as games go on.

Ben Krauhaus made a lively contribution off the bench after his loan spell was extended and David Ijaha looks a fine and strong addition to the midfield after making his debut last Sunday and had a decent steady game on Wednesday.

Cray though will have to be at their very best on Saturday against an Urchins side which has won the last five in league and cups and top the Isthmian Premier on a superior goal difference on 15 points from Potters Bar Town.

Mark Stimson’s side had a 50-50 start to the season with two wins and two defeats but have hit top form especially on Tuesday night winning 6-0 at Herne Bay. Liam Nash scored twice taking his season tally to six and Nathan Bartram-Cooper, Sam Higgins, Tom Wraight and Lewwis Spence all on target for the Urchins.

They have also advanced to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after away wins at Ipswich Wanderers and Maldon & Tiptree set up a home local derby vs Braintree Town next Saturday.

Additions to the squad from last season are former Folkestone Invicta striker David Smith on a three month loan from Bromley, defender Kenny Clark from Dagenham & Redbridge and midfielder Jack Munns from Billericay Town.

Hornchurch began the league season with a 0-1 defeat at Bognor followed by home wins vs Enfield Town (3-2) and Hastings United (3-0) and then a 1-2 defeat at Canvey Island. A 2-1 home win vs Bishop’s Stortford on Bank Holiday Monday has been followed up by two big league wins, 5-0 at home to Corinthian Casuals and 6-0 at Herne Bay.

Sam Higgins is the leading scorer so far with seven goals in league and cup.

Hornchurch had a very consistent season in 2021-22 following on from their FA Trophy success and were one of the leading contenders to challenge Worthing eventually finishing 4th and reaching the playoffs. A dramatic 3-2 win at Enfield Town in the Semi-Final set up a home final vs Cheshunt but were beaten 2-1 and remained in the Isthmian Premier for this season.

The scene is set for one of the big games of the day in the Isthmian Premier and one that will be a strong test for the Wands but an exciting challenge.

Admission: £12.00 adults, £7.00 concessions – £3 1U16s–U12’s + free with an adult.

Picture supplied by Jon Hilliger.