Cray Wanderers vs Kingstonian – Isthmian Premier – Saturday 24th February, 3 pm – Match Preview
Cray Wanderers play the second of two home games this week on Saturday as Kingstonian are the visitors to Hayes Lane. Kick off 3 pm.
The Wands come into the game on the back of a six game unbeaten league run which has moved Neil Smith’s side up to 13th in the Isthmian Premier League table and on to 39 points. This has put Cray sixteen points clear of 19th placed Cheshunt and also eleven points off the playoff places.
On Wednesday night, Cray made it back to back league wins with a 2-1 victory against Canvey Island at Hayes Lane. George Porter in his first start since 13th January struck twice in the first half taking his tally to the season to four. Canvey pulled a goal back just before the hour but despite chances at either end Cray held out for the win and helped maintain a good run of form and have won four of the last six games, all by the odd goal. There were some very good performances on Wednesday night, with Jack Holland outstanding at the back alongside at first Tom Bonner and later David Ijaha and also Yahya Bamba was a constant threat and perhaps unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Cray have been strong at home and are unbeaten in the last fourteen matches and defensively have been stronger and only conceded three in the last seven at home but will have to respect a Kingstonian side despite their lowly league position do come into the game unbeaten in their last two games picking up four points in the process.
Kingstonian currently lie bottom of the table on 17 points after 28 games but on Tuesday night picked up a deserved point at promotion chasing Enfield Town in a 0-0 draw which followed on from a 3-2 win at home to another playoff seeking side Bognor Regis Town last Saturday. Ex-Bromley player Tutu Henriques has taken interim charge of the club following the departure of Simon Lane earlier this month.
Kingstonian certainly showed their capabilities when the sides met at Imperial Fields on 30th September winning 3-0 with goals from Rio Campbell, Andy Somo and Darnell Goather-Braithwaite. The last meeting between the sides at Hayes Lane was the final home game of last season on 15th April which Cray won 2-0 with goals from Harrison Sodje and Jalen Jones.
Kingstonian have yet to win away from home in the league this season but have picked up points from draws at Hashtag United (2-2), Haringey Borough (2-2), Margate (2-2), Concord Rangers (0-0) and Enfield Town (0-0). The K’s were beaten by Billericay Town (0-1), Wingate & Finchley (1-2), Bognor Regis Town (0-2), Dulwich Hamlet (2-3), Hastings United (2-3), Cheshunt (4-5), Carshalton Athletic (1-4) and Canvey Island (2-3). At home Kingstonian have beaten Canvey Island (2-1), Cray Wanderers (3-0), Folkestone Invicta (3-0) and Bognor Regis Town (3-2) and lost to Lewes, Carshalton Athletic, Enfield Town, Horsham, Hornchurch, Potters Bar Town, Chatham Town, Wingate & Finchley, Billericay Town, Concord Rangers and Hastings United. Eddie Dsane is the leading scorer with 16 in all competitions. There are lots of games and points to play for to go but have given themselves a chance to escape the drop alongside currently Concord Rangers, Haringey Borough, Cheshunt and Margate and face Cheshunt at home next Wednesday.
With just seven more home games and the last on a Saturday until the 30th March this should be an entertaining match and one not to be missed.
Admission £12, £6 on gate (cash only) or online at www.cray-wanderers.com/tickets – Printed Programme £2, Golden Goals £1
