Jenkins praises professional Cray (From News Shopper)

Jenkins praises professional Cray

6:57pm Saturday 22nd September 2012 in Cray By Jerry Dowlen

Cray Wanderers manager Ian Jenkins praised his team for a professional performance as they beat Thamesmead Town 3-1 in the FA Cup 2nd qualifying round at Hayes Lane.

Cray's superior status as a Ryman Premier League side was displayed from the off as Division One visitors Thamesmead faced an onslaught of quick-passing Cray moves in the first ten minutes.

An early goal didn't materialise for attack-minded Cray, and the home side twice had to scramble the ball out of their own goalmouth after playing themselves into trouble.

Laurent Hamici shot over the bar when a good chance arrived for the Wands just before half time.

Leigh Bremner was a constant nightmare for the visiting defence to contain, and the Cray striker was to cap an outstanding ninety minutes work with two late goals to make up for his bad miss in the 48th minute when a defender presented him with an unexpected clear chance at goal.

It was the experienced Gareth Williams who calmed Cray's nerves on 54 minutes when he drilled them into the lead after the 'Mead defence couldn't clear a cross from the left.

Bremner's two energetic finishes on 84 and 89 minutes made it comfortable for Cray before Rob Carter netted a late reply for Thamesmead.

Cray: Walker, Burgess, Sterling, Day, Willy, Vines, Hamici (Dolby), Saunders, Bremner, Williams (Darvill), Power.

Cray meet Thamesmead Town again next Saturday, this time at Baylis Avenue (3pm) in the FA Trophy 1st qualifying round.