Storm Katie may have prevented an Easter Monday clash between Thurrock and Cray Wanderers but with a week’s respite the big match takes place at Ship Lane.
Cray come into the game on the back of an excellent win at Cheshunt on Saturday which meant the Wands need one more win to confirm a playoff place.
The victory in Hertfordshire had the hallmarks of a championship winning performance. Gritty, moments of real class up front, dangerous from set pieces and as fine a defensive performance that Cray have produced this season meant a valuable three points came their way.
A special word for James Duckworth who has looked very sharp in the last couple of months and capped a good performance on Saturday with a clinically taken winner and looks in fine fettle as the season draws to a close.
Cray manager, Tony Russell, the Manager of the Month for March made possibly the most astute signing of the season with Jay Leader’s arrival in January and looks commanding alongside Ben Payne and on occasions with different defensive partners.
He also looks a danger at set pieces and is getting closer to finding the net for the first time. The midfield played very well on Saturday but may miss Karl Dent’s runs forward as injury seems to have curtailed his season.
There may be some tinkering to be done from Saturday’s team but Cray have an adaptable and versatile squad and have on a number of occasions had to make changes for certain games.
Tuesday’s will be a tough game, there is no question about that and Mark Stimson’s Thurrock side still have maybe an outside chance of winning the championship trailing AFC Sudbury by 11 points with four games still to play.
Thurrock though have confirmed a playoff place and on Saturday showed professionalism to win 4-0 at Redbridge thus relegating the Motormen in the process.
Thurrock looked a good side at times between the first and second goals in our last meeting on the 15th March and have players of real quality like midfielder, Harry Agumbar, prolific marksman, Ross Wall who has 17 goals to his credit. Charlie Cole also played well on that evening and will be one to watch. Defensively they are strong too with ex Wand, Junior Baker excelling.
There appears to be little to choose between the sides with Thurrock with 93 goals to Cray’s 92, 49 conceded to Cray’s 50 and if the last contest is anything to go by we could in for an exciting if tense night.
Also in action on Tuesday night are 3rd placed, Harlow Town, who also have confirmed a playoff place are away to mid table Bury Town whilst Thamesmead Town who have sneaked up on the rails into eighth and possibly battling for the last playoff place face a tough trip to Haringey Borough.
Whatever happens tomorrow night there will still be much to play for with two games at home to follow but there is much to be proud of with the achievements of the team this season.