Cray Wanderers

Saturday 27th January 2018
Bostik League Division One South
Herne Bay2 (0) - (1) 1 Cray Wanderers
Att: 219

Herne Bay: Ben Hunter, Richard Ismail, Jack Steventon, Ben Gorham, Josh Wisson, Danny Leonard, Bradley Schafer, Tom Carlton, Jake Embery, Junior Aikhionbare, Nassim Dukali
Subs Used: Teddy Deverson (Aikhionbare 90) Connor Wilkins (Carlton 90)
Subs not used: Jono Richardson
Man of Match: Junior Aikhionbare

Cray Wanderers 23 match unbeaten run came to an end when they lost to Lewes last weekend. The run started back in September 2017 when they beat Herne Bay 3-1. Bay made it back to back defeats and became the first team to beat them in the ‘Kent League’. Charlie McDonald gave Cray the perfect start scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, after Richard Ismail brought down Sammy Dadson. Ben Hunter chose the right way but McDonald’s shot was powerfully hit low to his right.
Bay hit back with a good spell of pressure but keeper Nick Blue was in good form, pulling off a good save from Junior Aikhionbare. Both sides were producing some really entertaining football but Cray were more wasteful with their chances with their shooting off target and not causing Hunter any problems except for one stinging shot from defender, Ben Mendele, which Hunter failed to hold but McDonald follow up was hit into the side netting. Bay thought the referee made a wrong call when Aikhionabare was wrestled to the ground by Marcus Evans after he went through the back line. The official gave a foul against Junior for shirt pulling much to the disgust of the fans and players alike. Bay were always looking dangerous; Bradley Schafer set up Tom Carlton but his shot was blocked and fell to Nassim Dukali at the far post but his effort flew over the bar.
Cray started the second period on the attack but still failed to force Hunter into any saves. Jack Steventon then had the best chance to level the scores but he headed Dukali’s cross straight into Blue’s arms. Bay didn’t have to wait long after this to get the equalising goal. Danny Leonard broke out of his own half with a forceful run, fired in a low drive which Blue produced a diving save to turn away for a corner. From Carlton’s corner kick the ball wasn’t cleared and Jake Embery was first to react, smashing the ball into the back of the net. From this point Bay dominated the play as they looked for the winner which came after another 20 minutes. Dukali found Carlton free on the edge of the 18 yard area, his shot being pushed out by Blue, but Ben Gorham followed up, sliding the ball into the bottom corner between Blue and the near post. Cray tried to find a goal in the final 10 minutes but solid defending kept their efforts out.
A great game, very entertaining for the fans who created a great atmosphere throughout. Bay finally getting a positive result which their play over the last four games deserved.