Cray Wanderers begin their Isthmian League Premier Division season on Saturday afternoon when they take on Kingstonian at Hayes Lane.
Tony Russell’s side completed their pre-season fixtures with a 2-2 draw at Hayes & Yeading Utd last weekend, taking an early lead with a goal from a Trialist and then equalising late on with a goal from defender Martin Onoabaghbe.
When last season game to an early end in March this year Cray Wands were sitting in second place with 64 points from 33 games, while Ks were tenth with 47 points from 31 games played.
Both games between the sides ended 0-0 last term in August and February, while in between that Kingstonian had an impressive FA Cup run under manager Hayden Bird including a win away at League Two Macclesfield.
The Ks had their first competitive fixture last Saturday when they defeated Horley Town 4-1 at home in the FA Cup with goals from Simon Cooper x2, Corie Andrews and Lewis Peach.
Manager Bird has been really pleased with his side’s preparations as they look to make a challenge for promotion this season. Former Cray winger Andre Coker is a member of the Ks squad, but he was out injured last weekend.
Former Palace man Coker impressed in his half season with The Wands before moving to National League Bromley in December last year. Cray have been also impressive in pre-season despite being without Ben Mundele, Karl Dent and Charlie Allen for the most part.
Tony Russell’s squad has pretty much stayed the same since the end of the last campaign , the only departures being Joel Rollinson who was on loan from Stevenage and Geoffrey Okonkwo who had joined Staines Town.
Forward Freddie Parker has returned to The Wands after loan spells away and midfielders Kyron Richards and Jason Banton have signed after successful trials.
The results from last season indicate that this will be another close fought encounter between two good sides looking to make a positive start for 2020/21.
Entry for the game is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, tickets can be purchased from the Cray Wanderers website or at the turnstile, but capacity is limited to a maximum of 600 spectators and a near capacity crowd is expected.