Cray returned to winning ways as a Ben Payne goal four minutes from time was enough for the Wands to grind out victory at Heybridge Swifts.   Following a mini blip of two defeats in a week, after a cagey first half Cray carved out the better opportunities in the second half to merit the win.    As a result Cray moved six points clear at the top of the Isthmian League North table.

Heybridge had slightly the better of the first half opportunities with Cray coming closest in the final minute when a James Duckworth effort was tipped round the post by home keeper Sam Cowler.

The second half saw Cray create the better openings and Mike Frieter with a shot over the top and Omone Sodje drilled a shot just wide from inside the area.    A Lewis Tozer header was deflected wide for a corner and Frieter pulled a shot wide as Cray upped the pressure.

The winner came in the 86th minute after a good spell of pressure led to a succession of corners.  From a Duckworth in-swinging corner into a crowded penalty box the ball fell to Payne who turned the ball into the net via his chest.

Cray are next in action on Monday evening when they travel to Thamesmead Town for a 7.45 ko. 

 

Cray:   Blue, Osifiuwa, Basey, Tozer, Payne, Dawson (Capt.), Roberts, Tajbakhsh (Ouani), Sodje (Powel), Duckworth, Frieter (Carpenter): Subs:  Moore, Lodge

Att:      118