Cray Wanderers are the latest visitors to the Maurice Rebak Stadium, concluding a run of 5 consecutive home league matches. In that spell the Blues have earned 2 wins and 2 defeats so far and will be looking to end the run on a positive note and maintain momentum going into a slightly less hectic November. Cray will be looking to improve on their early season form with their last win in the league being a month ago with a convincing 3-0 win against Concord Rangers.
Our Opponents
The Wands' long history dates back to 1860, but just looking at their recent history, the club was battling for promotion in Isthmian North before being moved to Isthmian South and subsequently South East where they achieved their goal of promotion in 2018/19, as champions. Their first two seasons in the Premier division were Covid-affected, before narrowly avoiding the drop in 2021/22. Last season, there was a dramatic change in the side's fortunes as they qualified for the Isthmian Premier playoffs but lost to Hornchurch on penalties at the semi-final stage.
This season, Cray lost their first 5 league fixtures but turned this around with a shock 5-1 defeat of early season pace-setters Chatham Town. Since that big win, their results have been mixed with 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 further defeats in the league, leaving them with 10 points from their first 12 games and sitting 20th of 22 in the table at this stage.
Head To Head
The Blues achieved narrow 1-0 victories both home and away last season. In February, a Ben Siggers trademark free kick was enough to give the Blues all 3 points at the Maurice Rebak Stadium. On our travels earlier in the season, a second half goal from Antonis Vasiliou was enough to seal the victory while Cray went down to 10 men late on in that tie.
Last Time Out
Cray Wanderers come into the game off the back of two cup ties; a 5-0 defeat at the hands of National League side Ebbsfleet United in the Kent Senior Cup following a penalty victory in the FA Trophy after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Chesham United which has earned them a tricky away trip to Weston super Mare in the 2nd Round. In their last league fixture, a Gary Lockyer goal was not enough to save the Wanderers from defeat, going down 2-1 at Canvey Island a fortnight ago.
We suffered defeat at the hands of local rivals Enfield Town in our most recent game on Tuesday night. A clinical second half showing from the Towners saw them run out 4-1 winners at the Maurice Rebak Stadium on Tuesday night, the Blues goal coming from Elliot Long.
Players To Watch
Ben Frempah has been ever-present for the Blues in the league at the heart of the defence so far this season and he will be looking to marshal the defence to a third consecutive clean sheet against this opponent. Meanwhile Matty Achuba has earned a number of plaudits among the fans for his hard work and determined performances in midfield, something that will be vital if the game plays out as closely as the last couple against these visitors.
Gary Lockyer has been brought in to lead the line for Cray this season and has now scored 3 goals this campaign after scoring in consecutive games against Canvey and Chesham in October. Anthony Cook brings a lot of experience to the Wands' midfield including a number of seasons at National League and NLS level. .
Adult tickets can be purchased online or on the gate, with concessions on the gate with valid ID and U18s free! We look forward to welcoming you to Summers Lane for this Saturday afternoon Isthmian Premier League clash.