As the dust settles on and the tears dry away from a dramatic play off semi final defeat on penalties, it’s time to reflect on what has been a fantastic season for Cray Wanderers FC.

The Wands went into their 2022/23 Isthmian League Premier Division campaign having survived by the narrowest of margins the previous season on the final day.

Manager Neil Smith & his assistant Tim O’Shea, who had only taken charge at the end of March two days before the transfer window closed, immediately set about the task of building a squad which would compete near the top of the table rather than scrap for survival.

The experienced heads of Anthony Cook, Sam Skeffington & Sam Wood remained from the team that had finished 2021/22, joined by some impressive new signings like keeper Shaun Rowley, striker Tom Derry, winger Nyren Clunis and attacker Dan Bassett.

Young players such as Jalen Jones & Jephte Tanga came in and immediately stepped up. Going through the season Smudger also made very good use of the loan market, such as Harrison Sodje from Orient, Ben Krauhaus, Kellen Fisher & Marcus Sablier from Bromley.

All the way through the campaign he added players to the squad which made it stronger, such as holding midfielder David Ijaha, defender Freddie Carter and forward Dayshonne Golding.

There was an undeniable spirit and character that flowed through the team, not just on the pitch but the management, Smudger, Tim, Alfie, Paddy & Emily the physio, plus all the people behind the scenes who give so much to keep this fantastic club going.

The support noticeably grew in numbers as things progressed both at Hayes Lane and away from home. Identifying with a popular manager and a squad that bonded with the fans.

Every game my son went to, all of the Cray players gave him a high five as they left the pitch at the end of the match, even when Jephte Tanga was being helped off with an injury at the end he made a point of asking them to stop so he could!

The league season started with a 2-1 loss at Billericay Town, but The Wands went undefeated for the rest of August beating Canvey Island & Margate in hard fought victories at home.

The FA Cup only lasted two games with a replay defeat to Bognor Regis Town and the Kent Senior Cup and FA Trophy campaigns all ended after one tie, while the London Senior Cup saw Orient’s U23s beaten 1-0 before losing 4-3 away at Dulwich Hamlet, which meant all the interest in cup competitions ended by November.

In the league, September only saw one win 4-2 away at Folkestone Invicta, but October was more positive with wins over Brightlingsea Regent & Corinthian Casuals and two draws.

December started with a 2-2 draw at home to Bognor Regis and then four wins over Kingstonian 1-0, Haringey Borough 5-1, Billericay Town 4-3 and Margate 3-0 on Boxing Day, Derry, Cook and Josh Allen with the goals.

2023 began with two wins and two draws, with the only loss coming in a 3-2 home defeat to eventual champions Bishop’s Stortford in a bruising encounter, and one of the draws coming in a 2-2 with Lewes at Hayes Lane, but February saw The Wands have a wobble with only one win over Carshalton, a number of injuries not helping things.

Spring though saw The Wands go on an unbeaten run of nine games, including seven wins, to the end of the regular season that would see them make their way into the top five at exactly the right time.

A narrow 2-1 win at Bowers & Pitsea was followed by an emphatic 5-0 win over Potters Bar Town with debutants Destiny Oladipo and Rio Campbell scoring after coming on from the bench.

Oladipo was on target again in a single goal victory at Brightlingsea, before a hugely entertaining 5-3 win at home to Horsham ended March on a high.

April started with a hard earned point at Enfield Town, Harrison Sodje on target for The Wands, then came three crucial wins over Corinthian Casuals, Herne Bay & Kingstonian, which meant Smudge’s team went into the final day match away at Haringey Borough needing to match Lewes’ result to secure the last play off place.

Goals from Bassett & Derry were enough to draw the game 2-2 and in one season The Wands had gone from last day survival to reaching the play offs.

It the end despite coming back from 2-0 and 3-2 down in extra time away at Hornchurch in the play off semi final to draw 3-3, the penalty shoot out would see Cray Wands go out 4-2.

Smudge and penalty shootouts just don’t seem to go together.

A painful end to a great season, but one they can build on and hopefully, as they have following previous play off disappointments, go on to win promotion the following season.

From a supporter’s point of view, who also writes match reports for KSN, it’s been a pleasure to watch Cray this season and really feel part of something special.

To go to games with my Dad and my son is special, and he has also started to bring some mates along too who really enjoy watching The Wands.

Pictures supplied by Jonas Lustara.