Cray Wanderers returned to winning ways after eight games without a victory after a solid and professional display overcame Whyteleafe at Church Road.

The Wands shaded the early stages and took the lead through Lee Prescott’s fine 25 yard strike in the 21st minute and after that defended stoically and solidly to record a win that was well deserved.  In a game of surprisingly few chances the Wands took the one that really counted and produced a victory much in keeping with many of last season’s away displays. 

Before the match a minute silence for those that lost their lives in the terrorist atrocity in Westminster on Wednesday was impeccably observed.

Cray started the match on the front foot and came close to scoring when Lea Dawson headed wide from Prescott’s floated free kick.

In the 21st minute and completely out of nothing, Cray took the lead.  Andrew Musungu was dispossessed by Prescott who strode on, cut inside and fired in a shot from twenty five yards which was too hot for home keeper Ben Bridle-Card to hold and flew into the net.

Whyteleafe pressed for the remainder of the half but Nick Blue didn’t have to make a save of note although Paul Lorraine made a fine tackle inside the area to deny Daniel Ajakaiye.

The second half saw hardly any chances of note with Karl Dent coming closest for Cray with a deft flick which just past the left post.

The Wands stood firm and withstood what Whyteleafe threw at them and the partnership of Lorraine and Jai McKinlay repelled time and again attempts to score.  The closest they came was when Sam Clayton drove a shot wide of goal after a free kick was cleared.

Cray held out to end their winless run and now can go into home games with Herne Bay and Dorking Wanderers in the next few days with confidence.

Cray:   Nick Blue, Ben Mundele, Timi Osidobu, Jai McKinlay, Paul Lorraine, Lea Dawson (Capt), Sean Roberts, Karl Dent (Tyrone Guthrie, 90+4), Luke Medley, Lee Prescott, Brandon Scott (Anthony Adesite, 77) :  Subs: Zak Henry, Ken Charles, Sean Law,

Att: 123