Cray Wanderers moved up to second in the Isthmian League Premier Division table with this Bank Holiday win over Herne Bay at Hayes Lane on Monday afternoon.
Herne Bay started the game the brighter, Marcel Barrington causing problems with his pace and positivity, setting up Tushaun Walters who fired over early on. Kymani Thomas then had a shot saved by Shaun Rowley and as it bounced out to Walters he just failed to get the ball under control in front of goal.
Cray’s first chance fell to David Ijaha who had a shot from a corner saved by Jordan Perrin in the Bay goal. As The Wands got going Dan Bassett hit the side netting with a chance and two minutes later they went in front.
Tom Derry played in Harrison Sodje who broke down the right and then cut the ball back from the bye line to Bassett who side footed the ball home for 1-0.
Bay rallied from there, Thomas had a shot saved and Barrington was then denied by Rowley after a quick break out of defence. Barrington again went close when his powerful effort deflected over the bar off team mate Mason Saunders-Henry.
With the game now wide open Jephete Tanga went close for The Wands, shooting wide after a tricky run into the box and Nyren Clunis was also just off target, while Herne Bay also had chances late on.
Walters had a shot saved, a scramble in the box from a set piece was eventually cleared and then Saunders-Henry headed just wide from a free kick right on the whistle.
Kevin Watson’s team started the second half pressing again, Troy Williams hit the side netting and Thomas shot wide after good work by Rory Smith down the right.
With Bay still pressing Thomas had a volley saved by Rowley, but they just couldn’t find that vital touch in front of goal. As the half went on Cray got stronger and started to boss the game and with just ten minutes left The Wands put the game beyond reach.
Clunis broke down the right and his low cross found Tom Derry who powered the ball home for 2-0 from ten yards out.
With Neil Smith’s team now looking the more positive they made it 3-0 on 87 minutes when Sam Wood’s corner from the right was powerfully headed home by Jalen Jones in the six yard box.
Josh Allen was just off target late on with a free kick, but The Wands had already done enough to secure the three points that sees them start 2023 right in the promotion mix.
Herne Bay slipped to the bottom of the table with this loss, but if they had converted some their chances it might have been a different story.
Cray now travel to sixth placed Canvey Island next Saturday as they look to keep their impressive six game unbeaten run going.
Cray: Rowley, Tanga (Carter 90), Weaire, Jones, Sodje, Ijaha (Skeffington 79), Bamba (Allen 58), Wood, Clunis, Bassett, Derry.
Subs Not Used: Christie, King-Bassett.
Bay: Perrin, Williams, Harvey, Johnson, Barrington, Saunders-Henry, Anidugbe, Ktabbendam (Smith 62), Thomas (Allsopp 75), Walters, Ozobia.
Subs Not Used: Ojeman. Martins, West.
Goals: Bassett 17, Derry 81, Jones 87mins.
HT 1-0
FT 3-0
Att: 315
Referee: Adam Merchant