Cray took a massive step closer to avoiding relegation with a convincing win over Waltham Abbey at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night with a display of attractive attacking football and committed defending.

The game began in entertaining fashion with Tom Bruno’s free kick nearly catching Cray keeper Luke Colquhoun out, the young stopper managing to keep the ball out after fumbling the initial attempt, while at the other end Joe Kizzi managed to bundle a Chris Piper corner wide.

As Cray began to look the stronger side Alex Teniola hit the bar after beating the Abbey offside trap and also put another just over, while Piper volleyed over after good work by Tom Bolarinwa.

When Abbey did break they were denied by great saving tackles from Nathan Simpson, Bolarinwa, Helge Orome and Nick Humphrey.

Cray continued to press Humphrey headed over twiceand Teniola drove an effort just off target before finally on 40 minutes The Wands took the lead.

Bolarinwa showed great footwork to take the ball to the bye line and send over a superb cross for Piper to smash home from ten yards out.

Waltham Abbey rallied late in the half with Colquhoun saving a deflected cross low down at his far post and also gathering another Bruno free kick.

The second half saw Cray come out meaning business Teniola set up Rory Hill who had his shot saved by Abbey keeper James May, who also denied Piper and then Warren Whiteley soon after. Carl Rook and Hill went close again before The Wands made it 2-0 on 59 minutes when Bolarinwa set up Teniola who found the net at the second attempt.

Abbey then had a decent spell off pressure with Jason Hallett denied by Colquhoun, but Cray held out and then extended their lead on 68 minutes. Pacey and tricky winger Bolarinwa again on hand to send in a great cross for Piper to head home in a crowded area.

Hallett forced a save from Colquhoun again and the young custodian made another good stop from Harry Elmes, who also fired another effort over.

With Waltham Abbey enjoying a good spell Steve Springett had to clear James Pearman’s header off the line before Cray ended the night on a high in injury time.

Hill setting up Piper with a great through ball which the veteran midfielder coolly slotted past May for 4-0 and his hatrick to cap a superb night for Tommy Warrilow’s side who have won eight consecutive games.

Cray now require two more points from their last two games to avoid relegation, starting with Tilbury at home on Sunday afternoon and on this display you wouldn’t bet against them achieving ‘The Great Escape’.

Cray: Colquhoun, Orome, Simpson, Fakinos, Humphrey, Fitzgerald (Hill 45), Bolarinwa (Springett 77), Piper, Rook (Stone 85), Teniola, Whiteley.

Subs Not Used: Smith, Pass.

Abbey: May, Daveney (Attard 77, Haigh 93), Szawjewski, Kizzi, Bedford, Freeman, Bristow, Bruno (Pearman 85), Hallett, Elmes, Russell.

Subs not used: Dockett, Asamuah.

Goals: Cray – Piper 40, 68 & 93mins, Teniola 59mins.

HT 1-0 FT 4-0.

Att: 129