Cray reclaimed fifth place in the Ryman Premier table with a 2-1 win at East Thurrock United in a tale of two penalties.

Badly needing a win after two successive defeats had pushed them out of the play-off places, Cray had a worrying start when Sam Higgins netted for the Rocks in the 7th minute.

Tommy Whitnell equalised from the penalty spot on 25 minutes after a foul on Jamie Darvill.

Cray's goalkeper Andy Walker then made two vital contributions to the Cray cause, tipping over a free-kick from Sam Collins and then saving a penalty-kick that was awarded to the home side on the half hour.

Walker had conceded the penalty with a dangerously high kick at Kye Ruel, but he made a smart save to deny Higgins from the spot-kick.

Cray manager Ian Jenkins has been criticial of his top strikers' recent dry-up of goalscoring. but Whitnell's header into the net on 70 minutes was his 17th of the season in the Ryman League and it won the three points for Cray.

Cray now go back above Hendon to reclaim fifth place and a play-off slot, with Easter games to come against Harrow Borough at home on Saturday (3pm) and away to Kent rivals Margate on Monday (3pm).