Another win puts Cray sixth (From News Shopper)

Canvey Island 1-2 Cray Wanderers

2:43pm Sunday 8th January 2012 in Cray By Jerry Dowlen

CRAY continued their bright start to the New Year with a second successive away win, taking them to sixth in the table after overcoming Canvey Island.

With midfielder Aaron Day joining club captain and centre half Mark Willy on the injured list, Cray were pleased to have Chris Saunders back from suspension to replace Day, while Joe Vines made his second full start for the Wands at centre half after returning from long-term injury.

Canvey started well, with an attacking formation forcing a couple of good saves from Cray goalkeeper Andy Walker, in particular tipping over Jason Hallett’s effort on 28 minutes.

However, a minute after this save Cray took the lead from the penalty spot.Tommy Whitnell stepped up and tucked the ball just underneath James Russell in the Canvey goal diving to his left.

Canvey equalised 5 minutes later when Alex Rhodes hit home a free kick following a foul on Kevin Dobinson just outside the area.

The Wands regained the lead just before half time when a cross from the right found the head of Jack Clark at the back post who scored with ease.

It was a deserved first half lead for the Wands, but their defensive mettle was fully tested as the Gulls put on pressure in the second half.

Tyrone Sterling was outstanding again at the heart of the Cray defence, and although Rhodes and Jay Curran squandered late chances for Canvey, the Wands held on well to keep their push for a play-off place on course.

Cray are at home to Tooting & Mitcham next Saturday (3pm).

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Cray: Walker, Long, Bentley, Saunders (Power), Vines, Sterling, Whitnell, Perkins, Bremner, Phillips, Clark. Att: 322.