Cray’s start to the season ended in disappointment when they were beaten by a strong Sudbury team.  

Cray began well and were unlucky when hardworking Shaun Welford forced his way into the box and his shot hit the post.  Cesc Fakinos’ free kick was then palmed over by Alex Archer in the Sudbury goal.    

The game turned Sudbury’s way in the 22nd minute when the referee adjudged Steve Springett’s foul on Ollie Hughes inside the box denied a goal scoring opportunity and was sent off.  Jake Reed struck home the penalty.

Sudbury were now well on top and went further ahead on 35 minutes following a fine strike from Sam Clarke to make it 2-0 at half time. 

In the second half Sudbury scored three more goals.  They went 3-0 up on 51 minutes with a header by Payton Swatman and then Michael Shinn scored twice on 64 and 82 minutes the second of which was direct from a free kick.  

Cray managed a goal in stoppage time when Welford scored.

Cray:   Taylor, Fakinos, Bird, Stavrinou (Larin) , Talbot, Springett, Stubbs (T. O’Connor), P. O’Connor, Welford, Daly (Marques), Welsh:  Subs:  Beckett, Stone: Attendance: 107

Scorer:     Welford 90               Sent Off:         Springett 22