Cray Wanderers Weekend – 28/2 – 2/3
Another huge weekend for Cray Wanderers teams beginning on Friday 28th February with the U23′ playing the Second of four successive Friday night games at Flamingo Park as Glebe make the short trip across Chislehurst for a 7.45 pm ko.
Cray lost the leadership of the SCEFL Development League West yesterday to Erith ToWn after victory at Tunbridge Wells to move onto 39 points, a point clear of Roy Brooke’s side.
The teams met as recently as 20th January at Glebe and finished in a lively 2-2 draw.
Other games upcoming for the team are
Fri 7th March v Sutton Athletic: H: 7.45 pm
Fri 14th March v Rusthall: H: 7.45 pm
Thu 20th March v Erith Town: A: 7.45 pm
Thu 3rd April v Corinthian: A: 7.45 pm
Wed 16th April v Tunbridge Wells: A: 7.45 pm
Mon 12th May v SC Thamesmead: A: ?
Meanwhile the Men’s first team look to continue a remarkable run of form through February on Saturday 1st March with a visit to Chichester City for the first time since 1992. Kick off 3 pm. More details to follow through Thursday. If you are thinking of travelling from Victoria to Chichester please note that you must travel in the front four carriages of the train as it separates at Horsham with the rear four going to Bognor. Look out for direction here tomorrow.
Finally on Sunday 2nd March the Cray Wanderers Women travel to SECWFL Premier league leaders Sevenoaks Town with a 3 pm ko at Greatness Park. The Oaks lead the 4th placed Wands by 13 points but Cray have 3 games in hand. Sevenoaks are the only side to beat Cray in the league this season so will be a tough challenge.
Coverage of all 3 games on here at the weekend.
All at Cray Wanderers wish one of our great Women’s team players Hannah Atkins a speedy recovery after picking up a serious injury during yesterday’s game at Woodcoombe that required treatment at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Hospital into the evening. Hannah who scored in the 5-3 win will be out of action for a short while and all the club send our regards and best wishes and hope that last season’s Manager’ Player of the Year returns for the end of the campaign. Hannah was a goalscorer in the first ever game on the 3G at Flamingo Park in February last year.
We extend a debt of gratitude to Woodcoombe FC for their help and support during a difficult moment and to all at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Hospital for their care and to Claire Willicombe and Sam Sharp
A note for Cray Wanderers supporters that Nyren Clunis (subject to being picked of course) will make his 100th appearance for the club against Chichester City on Saturday.
Nyren joined the club in the summer of 2022 and earlier in his distinguished career made 486 appearances for Dulwich Hamlet from a 16 yo, and later for Carshalton Athletic and Kingstonian.
He has scored 25 goals and is the top scorer this season with 7 goals. Nyren played a huge part for Neil Smith’ side that reached the Isthmian Premier playoffs in 2022-23 but last season missed a chunk through injury. He has been in great form this season especially on Saturday against Folkestone.
Good luck Nyren and all fans going to Chichester City give him the ovation he deserves.
As part of the football family all at Cray Wanderers send our love and thoughts to former Wand Tom Carlse who is currently receiving treatment for a serious throat injury received playing for VCD Athletic v Hartpury College in the FA Vase. Please see the attached statement from our friends at VCD and highlights how close Tom was to losing his life due to the seriousness of the injury and the medical procedure needed to repair his Larynx.
Tom has been making small progress and currently under rehab but is generally fit as a fiddle as proved by the Marathon challenge he completed in 2021.
Tom joined Cray Wanderers in March 2019 from Ashford United and the left back helped Cray to win the Isthmian South-East in 2018-19 and although he picked up a toe injury the following season made 27 appearances before Covid called a halt to the 2019-20 campaign and then was ever-present for the shortened 2020-21 season.
He played 52 games for Cray scoring twice but most importantly the crucial game against Ashford to help Cray win the South-East title.
Former Wands coach Nathan White has set up a Go Fundme page to help Tom who since leaving the Wands has become a father of twins and also a teacher in East Kent so will be at a loose end while he completes his rehab. Please click the link to donate if you can.
Get well Tom who is a hugely gifted player and a great fella too.
Sending our love from Cray Wanderers
