Smith double gives Cray the blues (From News Shopper)

Smith double gives Cray the blues

10:47am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in Football By Jerry Dowlen

Cray paid the penalty for gifting two goals to 18-year old Jonty Smith in a disappointing 2-1 home defeat versus Metropolitan Police.

An early shot from Smith was easily taken by Andy Walker, and then Aaron Day made a vital tackle to stop the lively Chris Bourne.

 

The visitors continued to have all the chances, and Smith forced a good save from Walker.

Cray's first chance came from a free-kick, but Michael Power's shot was comfortably held by Jamie Butler.

Disaster struck for Cray on 20 minutes when Walker's attempted short throw-out to the edge of the penalty area was intercepted and Smith picked his spot to put the Police one-up.

Cray tried to raise their game, but Power squandered a golden chance to equalise on 37 minutes when the ball rebounded into his path but he hesitated with only Butler to beat.

A goal for Cray at that time might have changed the course of the game, but the second half started badly with the Wands giving away a second goal on 55 minutes. Billy Burgess could only direct a clearing header to the unmarked Smith who made no mistake with a firm shot past Walker.

Cray were getting little change from an experienced defence strongly marshalled by Joe Dolan, but the arrival of substitutes Shawn Beveney and Joe Vines gave them a stronger presence up front.

In the 89th minute a corner-kick led to Cray skipper Mark Willy netting his third goal of the season, but it proved only to be a consolation goal for the home side.

 

Cray: Walker, Burgess, Pooley, Stavrinou, Willy, Day, Power (Beveney 64), Saunders (Sproson 62), Bremner, Phillips (Vines 71), Sterling. Subs not used: Peauroux, Tuna.

 

Cray are away to Greenwich Borough next Sunday 9 September (3pm) in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round.