A first half goal from Chris Piper was enough to secure the Wands a welcome and vital three points from their trip to Redbridge. The game was never a classic but never mind the quality, all that mattered this evening was the win as the Wands look to stave off relegation.

Cray began the game with three changes to the team that played Needham Market on Saturday. Luke Colquhouen made his debut in goal in place of Dean Gardikiotis, Helge Orome came in for Steve Springett and Alex Teniola for Frank Griffin.

On a murky night in Barkingside and on a difficult playing surface this was never going to be a game that would be remembered for the quality of the football. However in the first half Cray definitely were the better side and created some good openings.

Redbridge got off to a quick start and were awarded a free kick fifteen yards from goal in the first minute. From the free kick Vinny Murphy’s shot went straight to Colquhouen.

In the seventh minute Cray were unfortunate not to score after Warren Whitely showed good pace down the right to race into the penalty area and his shot from eight yards came back off the post.

Orlando Smith and Rory Hill combined to set up Adrian Stone for a header which was off target and then Nathan Simpson’s ball in from the right came to Hill whose half hit volley went straight to home keeper Mark Parker.

Cray continued to force the pace and Cesc Fakinos played a lovely ball through to Alex Teniola who from just outside the area shot straight at Parker. Shortly after this Whitely was played through but his finish was rather wild and blazed his shot over the crossbar. On the half hour Hill’s effort was blocked for a corner.

Cray were unlucky again when Chris Piper latched onto Teniola’s pass just outside the area and his chipped shot was met by a fine one handed save by Parker.

Still Cray pressed and on 36 minutes got the goal their performance deserved. Nathan Simpson played in a superb cross from the right which fell to Teniola whose effort came back off the post but Piper following up turned the ball home from about a yard out. This was his fourth goal in five games.

With half time approaching Redbridge had a bit more possession but Teniola with a shot that was deflected for a corner and a shot wide from Piper the Wands came in at half time well pleased with their performance.

Half Time: 0-1

The second half was rather a scruffy affair with few chances created. Cray had just lost that rhythm they had first half and Redbridge came more into the contest without creating too many clear cut chances.

Cray enjoyed some good moments of possession and were awarded a free kick for handball outside the area by Adam Hunt. From the free kick Piper’s effort was comfortably saved by Parker. For Redbridge, Gavin Cockman’s shot was deflected for a corner

Halfway through the half, Redbridge had their best chance when following a free kick, Murphy found Patrick Damali whose shot was pushed over by Colquhouen.

Cray were very well marshalled at the back by Nick Humphrey and a very impressive display from Helge Orome and where called upon got in the way of attempted shots and used good qualities to clear any danger and look to start attacks. However in the second half Cray couldn’t get enough good ball up front to cause the Redbridge defence many problems.

Redbridge forced a couple of corners but had a chance to level when Charlie Parish headed over the top from a throw in.

Cray were unlucky not to seal the game when Hill’s ball into the box was knocked in by Stone but was mysteriously ruled offside.

With the game entering injury time Cray were hanging on to their lead and substitute Shane Wallace shot over the crossbar when he had more time to hit the target and Cockman from a similar position shot wide.

In the end Cray held on for a valuable three points which was well earned and showed the spirit and character of the team is still very much there. The Wands now move on to Saturday and their first ever visit to Burnham Ramblers where a similar gritty performance will be needed.

Cray: Luke Colquhouen, Cesc Fakinos, Nathan Simpson, Orlando Smith (Steve Springett, 70), Nick Humphrey (Capt.), Helge Orome, Rory Hill, Chris Piper, Adrian Stone (Moses Ashikodi, 90), Alex Teniola (James Pass, 70), Warren Whitely Subs: Frank Griffin, Connor Ives

Redbridge: Mark Parker, Vinny Murphy, George Winn (Shane Wallace, 88) Charlie Parish, Liam Thomas (Capt), Adam Hunt, Joe Gent (Ronnie Winn, 67), Patrick Damali (Chinedu McKenzie, 68), Gavin Cockman, Mark Nougher, Abbs Thompson: Subs: Aaron Scott, Aaron Tathum.

Booked: Hunt

Referee: Dave Bushell
Assistants: Scott Williams, Jair Alzath Guzman

Att: 45