Cray and Thamesmead shared the points in this local derby league opener, putting on an entertaining match, which both sides could have won, but the final result was probably fair.

The game started at a high tempo and was open with play going from end to end, Thamesmead created the better chances though with Tashi-Jay Kwaiye firing over and then soon after hitting the post, before Alex Teniola hit the side netting from the rebound.

Mead pressed The Wands and made it hard for the home side to play out from the back, but Cray drew level with their first real chance when Luke Medley set up Karl Dent who powerfully drove home to make it 1-0 from ten yards.

Thamesmead were level only five minutes later though when Scott Kinch played in Kwayie who coolly slotted the ball under the advancing Nick Blue to equalise. Leon Smith went close for the visitors again with a fierce drive that deflected over before the game slowed a little. Mead finished the half stronger, but the scored remained tied.

The second half saw Thamesmead start well, Kwayie hit a curling effort narrowly wide, but Cray once again edged in front with their first chance.

Ben Mundele combined with Brandon Scott who crossed for Michael Freiter to fire home from close range. Thamesmead rallied again, Teniola was denied a goal against his old side when Lea Dawson blocked his goalbound shot and Ryan Flack forced a save from Blue, but The Wands then had chances.

Dent had an effort well saved by Lewis Carey and he was also on hand to deny Dawson’s header from a corner. Sub Bradley Stevenson shot wide and Scott also brought Carey into action as the half went on.

With both sides making changes it was the visitors who finished the game on top, Teniola had a bicycle kick saved by Blue, before their pressing paid off in injury time when a great long throw from Smith was flicked on by O’Connor to Kwayie who headed home just under the bar to make it 2-2.

Both sides have Kent derbies again in midweek Cray now travel to Phoenix Sports on Tuesday night, while Mead will entertain Hythe Town at Princes Park on Wednesday.

Cray: Blue, Williams, Osibodu (Mundele 38), Leader, Nelson, Dawson, Carpenter, Dent, Medley, Freiter (Stevenson 58), Scott (Whiteley 78).

Subs Not Used: Parker, Evans.

Thamesmead: Carey, Brand, Mendy, Kinch, Smith, Denny, Glover, O’Connor0, Teniola (Luchford 79), Kwayie (McIntyre 93), Flack (Vines 69).

Subs Not Used: Butler, Ovenden.

Goals: Cray – Dent 11, Freiter 51mins. Thamesmead – Kwaiye 16 & 91mins

HT 1-1 FT 2-2

Att: 133

Ref: Mr B Bowles

Pictures supplied by Thomas Lang