Cray Wanderers are in midweek Bostik South East action on Tuesday for only the second time this season as table topping Cray make the reasonably short trip to Whyteleafe on the 3G surface.
Kick off at Church Road is 7.45pm.
Cray come into the game on the back of a tremendous 6-0 win against Herne Bay on Saturday which coupled with Hastings United’s draw with Guernsey gave Tony Russell’s side a 13 point lead at the top. Such though is the concentration levels and commitment of the side that the euphoria of Saturday in the changing room was only short lived as preparations began for what will be a tough game against fifth played Whyteleafe.
There was a lot of positives to look back on from Saturday, with the four goal performance of Junior Dadson standing out as well as goals from wide players Jerome Federico and Daniel Uchechi, his first for the club. Defensively Cray were excellent against a side that was in good form beforehand and on the few occasions they did get through they found Nick Blue in sharp form in goal.
Many amongst the supporters have described Whyteleafe as being as good as anyone Cray have faced so far this season and the two teams played out a lively 1-1 draw back at the end of September, the only other midweek league match at Hayes Lane. Both goals came in the first ten minutes with Bradley Wilson putting Whyteleafe in front before Federico levelled two minutes later and both sides were reduced to ten men late in the game.
Harry Hudson’s side have had a free weekend and in their last match on 26th January they were 2-0 winners at home to Phoenix Sports with goals from Lauris Chin and Valentino Carpene. They have 38 points from their 22 games and occupy the final playoff position at present.
Their home form has been consistent and they have beaten East Grinstead Town (3-1), Faversham Town (6-0), Greenwich Borough (4-1), Guernsey (3-1), Hastings United (2-0), Horsham (3-1), Hythe Town (4-3) and Phoenix Sports (2-0). They drew with Ramsgate and their only defeats came at the hands of Haywards Heath Town (2-3) and Sevenoaks Town (2-3). They won three matches on their travels at East Grinstead Town (3-1), Herne Bay (1-0) and Whitstable Town (2-0) and drew at Ashford United. Cray Wanderers, Phoenix and VCD. They were beaten at Hastings United, Horsham, Sittingbourne and Three Bridges.
The last time the two sides met at Whyteleafe in December 2017 saw Cray win 2-0 with Michael Freiter and Michael Power scoring on a wet afternoon.
This has been a game long awaited and a match under lights is always special anywhere and will be a real test for Cray but one which they will relish.