Cray continued their fine start to pre-season with a hard fought victory at a hot and humid KNK Stadium on Saturday. Goals in each half from Steve Springett and Carlos Talbot gave the Wands victory against a very lively and skilful Tooting & Mitcham United side.

The home side began much the stronger for the first 25 minutes and should really have gone ahead on 20 minutes when Sol Pinnock put clean through missed the target completely. The best Cray efforts during this time was a dipping shot from Shaun Welford which went over and the same player shot over the top after a fine ball across from Tom O’Connor. After a short refreshments break Cray took the lead on the half hour when a corner from Jordan Bird to the back post was headed in impressively by Steve Springett. Howard Newton almost levelled for Tooting and Mitcham when his shot inside the box was saved by the legs of Darren Behcet. There was still time before half time for Jordan Bird to shoot wide from a difficult angle.

Half time: 0-1

The second half brought a slew of changes on both sides with only the very impressive Cesc Fakinos, Springett and Carlos staying on for the full game. Once again the home side were in the ascendancy. Jordan Cheadle shot wide and Harry Knock hit the cross bar as they pushed for an equaliser. They were unlucky when another shot rattled the post before a lull in the game and another refreshments break. Cray made it 2-0 with a rare second half attack when Carlos Talbot up from the back hit a good shot from the edge of the box which squirmed through the keepers hands and into the net.

The home side weren’t finished and deserved a goal which came in the 81st minute from a trialist when he scored with a neat finish. Another shot flashed just wide as the Wands were holding on a bit as the sun continued to bear down. The goal scorer was then sent off with 5 minutes to go for an off the ball incident and the Wands saw the game out from here.

Full Time: 1-2

This was a very good win for the Wands in really sweltering conditions with little shade and on a sapping 3G pitch. Tooting & Mitcham were very worthy opponents and it is hoped that they have a respectable season in the Ryman South this year.

The Wands team: Darren Behcet, Cesc Fakinos, Steve Springett, Danny Lye, Mark Dynan, Carlos Talbot, Tom O’Connor, Alex Stavrinou, Shaun Welford, Andre Marques, Jordan Bird

The following players came on at half time: Nick Taylor, Hussain Isa, Gary Beckett, Shawn Beveney, Joshua Silvera, Mackie Magoulos, Louis Sprosen

Mark Hunt
Cray Wanderers