McLaren ends Cray hopes

By Peter Butcher

RYMAN Premier side Cray failed on their bid to reach the first round of the FA Trophy for their first time in their history on Sunday, going down 1-0 at home to Welling.

The Conference South side had much the better of the first half without managing to score.

Ironically, it was during Cray's best spell of the game that they fell behind. Welling gave the ball away, Cray gave it straight back and former Thamesmead forward Theo Fairweather-Johnson supplied the pass for right-back Connor McLaren to fire home.

That was in the 71st minute, and although Leigh Bremner immediately hit a post at the other end it was as close as the Wands would come to saving the day.

Where next?

Maidstone's attractive reward RYMAN South club Maidstone have been rewarded for their FA Trophy victory over Premier side Whitehawk with an attractive home draw against Conference South leaders Salisbury City in the first round proper.
Maidstone make their fans happy THE crowds continue to pour into Maidstone’s new Gallagher Stadium, where yesterday’s gate of 1,571 was the highest in the country for any FA Trophy tie.

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