Wands make it ten...

The fourteenth of August seems rather a long time ago, but it is a date that will stand out in the memories of Cray Wanderers fans, as it is the last time they lost a match. Our South East Division Champions have had a magnificent start on their return to the top flight, and last night marked their tenth undefeated match in a row in all competitions by beating another promoted club, Bowers and Pitsea.

Both clubs have also made excellent progress in the FA Cup, and both have an eye on their Third Qualifying Round ties at the weekend. Wands will travel to Haringey Borough, whilst Bowers take a short trip to face local rivals Canvey Island- a match which. M25 willing, will be our featured game on Saturday. That aside, there were no weakened teams last night, and Wands roared into a three goal lead despite significant pressure from the visitors. Andre Coker, Joseph Taylor and Tom Carlse got the home goals, each coming before the break, whilst Bradley Warner pulled a goal back from the spot for Bowers in the second half. Reports suggest that Bowers created a large number of chances but struggled to convert them, which seems to be the story of their season- but Premier Division defences will need to worry once their potent strike force finally locates its shooting boots.

Wands climb to ninth, Bowers are eighteenth- and by the way, Joseph Taylor now has an enviable record of twelve goals in twelve matches.

We also had a match in the Velocity Trophy, where Grays Athletic were taking on Waltham Abbey in Group Two. Whilst sweeping (almost) all before them in League and FA Cup, Athletic had lost their opening two Velocity matches, but they weren't going to slip up a third time. Manny Ogunrinde gave Jim Cooper's men the lead on the half hour, and after the break Lewis Clarke and Ogunrinde once more put them three goals to the good. Ross Dedman got an eighty-ninth minute consolation for the Abbotts.