The Wands first ever home match against Needham Market ended in defeat as three first half goals saw the league leaders take three points. 

Cray remain second bottom of the table 13 points from safety.

The hosts began well and in the third minute Warren Whitely’s cross was met by the head of Nick Humphrey which brought out a tremendous one handed save by Shaun Phillips.   

Cray had a let off when Luke Ingram’s corner was headed against the bar by Oliver Fenn.

Needham Market took the lead in the 20th minute. 

Phillips’ big kick upfield dropped to Sam Newson who laid the ball off to Michael Brothers just outside the area who then drilled home an unerring shot into the bottom right corner of the net.  

Needham Market were looking dangerous every time they attacked and increased their lead in the 29th minute when Brothers fired home a great finish at the keeper’s near post.    

The visitors scored their third four minutes from half time when Kemal Izzet’s shot was turned into the net by Newson.           

Cray did get back into the game on the hour.

A long kick from Dean Gardikiotis should have been comfortably dealt with by Phillips but under pressure from Alex Teniola, full back Ollie Brown turned the ball into his own net.      

Cray: Gardikiotis, Griffin (Teniola), Simpson, Fakinos, Humphrey, Springett (Orome), Hill, Piper, Stone, Smith, Whitely (Ashikodi): Subs: Ives, Colquheun. Att: 124